Dimensions of Sustainable Infrastructure in a Project

Alfred has over 15 years of experience in his field and currently serves as the climate focal point for the IDB’s Infrastructure Department. In this role, he provides technical guidance to project teams on incorporating climate change and sustainable infrastructure into development operations. Alfred represents the IDB in the MDB Working Group on Accounting for Climate Change Adaptation Financing, having chaired it from 2018 to 2020. He has led or co-led at least 50 operations that significantly contribute to the IDB Group’s financial objectives regarding climate change. Additionally, he has authored and co-authored numerous technical publications focused on adaptation, climate resilience, and greenhouse gas mitigation, particularly in the water, transport, and energy sectors. Over the past decade, Alfred has concentrated much of his work on water resources and climate issues in the LAC region, leading critical studies in this area. Before joining the IDB, he worked as a consultant in the Sustainable Development Department of the World Bank’s Latin American Region. Alfred holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Universidad del Norte in Colombia, as well as a Master’s in Computational Mechanics of Materials and Structures from Universität Stuttgart and a Master’s in Environmental Management and Planning from Johns Hopkins University.

Ricardo De Vecchi serves as Head of Green Infrastructure Advisory at the Inter-American Development Bank, where he leads strategies to promote public-private partnerships across Latin America and the Caribbean. After earning his master's degrees in International Relations from Georgetown University and Diplomatic Studies from Mexico's diplomatic academy, along with a bachelor's in International Trade from Tecnológico de Monterrey, he has built over 10 years of experience in infrastructure development. His career includes serving as Coordinator for Mexico, Colombia, and Peru in IDB's Emerging and Sustainable Cities Initiative and Vice President for Latin America at CG/LA Infrastructure, where he led strategic consulting for governments and multinational companies. Through his work at IDB, he has developed numerous projects in water and sanitation, transportation, and energy sectors while providing expertise in political, environmental, financial, and economic risk assessment for infrastructure initiatives across the region.

Laura Rojas Sanchez is an Environmental and Social Sustainability Advisor at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), where she coordinates efforts to integrate sustainability into all aspects of the bank's operations. She recently led the drafting of the IDB's new Environmental and Social Policy Framework and is the principal author of the Sector Framework on Environment and Biodiversity. With over 15 years of experience, Laura has managed multiple operations in energy, infrastructure, and environmental sectors across Latin America.She holds a Master's degree in Environmental Policy and Regulation from the London School of Economics, as well as a Master's in Environmental Economics and Natural Resources from the University of the Andes and the University of Maryland. Laura teaches courses on Coursera, including "Dimensions of Sustainable Infrastructure in a Project" and "Sustainable Infrastructure Project Financing," aimed at equipping learners with essential knowledge for developing sustainable infrastructure projects. Through her work, she plays a vital role in promoting sustainable practices within development projects in the region.

María Cecilia Ramirez serves as an advisor to the President of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), where she has played a pivotal role in advancing infrastructure and energy projects. Previously, she supervised the bank's public infrastructure loan portfolio and led the Sustainable Infrastructure Technical Working Group. With a strong academic background, she holds a degree in Economics from the Central University of Venezuela, a Master's in Economic Theory with a specialization in International Trade from the Paris School of Economics, and a Master's in Public Administration from Columbia University, focusing on Economic and Political Development.In addition to her advisory role, María Cecilia has worked as an economic analyst at the Center for Global Development in Washington, D.C., and has experience in both public and private sectors in Venezuela. She teaches courses on Coursera, including "Dimensions of Sustainable Infrastructure in a Project" and "Sustainable Infrastructure Project Financing," aimed at equipping learners with essential skills for developing sustainable infrastructure initiatives. Through her expertise, she contributes significantly to promoting sustainable development practices within the region.