Real estate leaders from around the world gathered in New York this week as the Global REIT Alliance (GRA) held its 2026 Members Forum alongside Nareit’s REITweek: 2026 Investor Conference.
Building on the Alliance’s launch in 2025, participation and engagement continued to grow, reflecting increasing interest in global collaboration among REIT market associations. The June 2–4 forum brought together leaders from established and emerging REIT markets across North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia-Pacific, Africa, and Australia to exchange perspectives on policy, market development, capital formation, taxation, accounting standards, sustainability, and advocacy priorities.
The program opened with remarks from Ayris T. Scales, SVP, Social Responsibility & Global Initiatives at Nareit and Secretary General of the GRA, and Nareit President and CEO Steve Wechsler. Throughout the forum, participants shared market insights, identified common challenges, and explored opportunities for future collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Discussions focused on the growing importance of international coordination and information sharing as REIT markets continue to evolve and expand globally.
Day one featured sessions on global REIT trends, accounting standards, sustainability initiatives, and regional market developments. Speakers and participants represented organizations including EPRA, APREA, ARES, REALPAC, the Indian REITs Association, China REITs Forum, China REITs Alliance, the Latin American REITs Association, the REITs Association of Kenya, and the Property Council of Australia.
A panel moderated by John Worth, Nareit EVP, Research & Investor Outreach, explored macroeconomic trends, capital markets, and investor sentiment across listed real estate markets. Additional discussions highlighted growth opportunities and market developments across Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Kenya, India, and China.
Day two focused on member-driven policy and advocacy priorities, with roundtable discussions exploring capital formation, cross-border investment, housing, infrastructure, sustainability, artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, and the evolving regulatory landscape affecting listed real estate markets worldwide.
The meeting also reflected the continued growth of the Global REIT Alliance, which now includes 24 member organizations representing REIT and listed real estate markets across more than 20 countries and regions. Delegates from Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, India, Japan, Kenya, Singapore, the United States, and additional international markets participated in this year’s discussions.
As REIT markets continue to expand globally, the Alliance serves as a platform for association leaders to share best practices, strengthen industry collaboration, and support the long-term growth and evolution of listed real estate markets worldwide.