From June 6 to 7, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the regional infrastructure seminar was held. The panel discussions covered a variety of topics, including reducing gaps in access to sanitation and potable water services, diversifying energy sources, and collaboration among Latin American countries. One of the featured panels focused on integrating suburban areas and creating inclusive and resilient cities. The experts emphasized the need to close the gaps in access to essential rights and services, as well as the importance of complementing the city’s infrastructures and facilities to achieve a more equitable and resilient model. In the panel on a sovereign and sustainable energy matrix, the participants discussed strategies to diversify national energy sources and promote the development of infrastructures that allow a sustainable use of resources.
Dr. Jeannette Sánchez Zurita, Director of the Natural Resources Division of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), played an important role in the panel dedicated to regional integration and cooperation. The panel explored strategies to strengthen collaboration among Latin American countries, fostering a common direction and addressing shared challenges and opportunities. The director presented the topic of natural resources as vectors of development with an emphasis on sustainable and just transitions of water, energy and strategic minerals. During this presentation, she highlighted the importance of water resources in key issues such as the economy, health and climate, once again highlighting the need for an integrated approach. Panelists included Alfredo Garay, National Director of Planning and Programming of Public Works of the Ministry of Public Works, Gabriel Puricelli, sociologist and professor at the Faculty of Social Sciences of the University of Buenos Aires (UBA) and Ariel Yépez-García, Manager of the Infrastructure and Energy sector of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). Damián Szvalb, a political scientist and international analyst, moderated the panel, bringing his experience in international relations to the discussion.
The event concluded with closing addresses delivered by President Alberto Fernández and Minister Gabriel Katopodis, highlighting the commitment of the Argentine government to the development of a sustainable, inclusive and resilient infrastructure.
