The regional infrastructure seminar was held in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on June 6-7. Panel discussions covered a variety of topics, including bridging gaps in access to sanitation services and drinking water, diversification of energy sources, and collaboration among Latin American countries. One of the featured panels focused on the integration of suburban areas and the creation of inclusive and resilient cities. Experts emphasized the need to close gaps in access to rights and essential services, as well as the importance of complimenting city infrastructure and facilities to achieve a more equitable and resilient model. In the panel on a sovereign and sustainable energy matrix, participants discussed strategies to diversify national energy sources and promote the development of infrastructures that allow for 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 on 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 theme of natural resources as vectors of development with emphasis on sustainable and just transitions of water, energy and strategic minerals. During the presentation, the role of water resources in key topics such as economy, health and climate were highlighted, again, emphasizing 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, political scientist and international analyst, moderated the panel, bringing his experience in international relations to the discussion.
The event concluded with closing speeches by President Alberto Fernández and Minister Gabriel Katopodis, highlighting the Argentine government's commitment to the development of sustainable, inclusive and resilient infrastructure.
