Written by: Karim Hammam
The Executive Chairman of Cox, Enrique Riquelme, affirmed that access to reliable and sustainable water and energy has become an urgent priority for the development of Ibero-American cities, emphasizing that water and energy security are no longer merely a technical matter, but an essential pillar for economic competitiveness, social stability, and adaptability to climate change.
The Role of Cities and Urban Challenges
Riquelme's statements came during his participation in the Second Ibero-American Cities Forum held in the Spanish capital, Madrid, with the attendance of prominent figures from Spain and Latin America, including Madrid Mayor José Luis Martínez-Almeida and Buenos Aires Head of Government Jorge Macri. He explained that more than half of the world's population lives in urban environments, which forces administrations to respond to the increasing demand for essential resources, pointing out that cities represent a true laboratory for innovation and the future.
The Importance of Infrastructure and Public-Private Partnership
The Chairman of Cox called for strengthening cooperation between governments, municipalities, companies, and multilateral organizations to accelerate investment in vital infrastructure. He stressed that providing water and electricity is an indispensable condition to ensure public health, agricultural and industrial activity, economic growth, job creation, and digital services, praising the role of development banks such as the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF) and its President Sergio Díaz-Granados in supporting and financing strategic projects and reducing financial risks.
Expansion Projects in Mexico and El Salvador
Riquelme reviewed the company's expansion strategy in Latin America, highlighting major operations in Mexico, such as the Iberdrola Mexico deal which exceeded $4.2 billion, in addition to the Rosarito desalination plant project in Baja California. He also pointed to the recent agreement with the government of El Salvador, headed by Nayib Bukele, to enhance water and energy plans. In conclusion, he stressed the need to involve local municipalities from the early design stages of projects to ensure they meet the actual needs of the population and transform environmental challenges into opportunities for sustainable growth.
