Sustainable Infrastructure on the Development Agenda

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.

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.

Mr. Tomás is responsible for the knowledge agenda of the Infrastructure Department and has authored the IDB’s infrastructure strategy and the development of the Public Services Policy.

Gema Sacristán is the General Business Director and a member of the Management Committee at BID Invest, part of the Inter-American Development Bank. She oversees commercial and investment strategies, creating value propositions that include financial and non-financial products for clients across the financial, corporate, infrastructure, and energy sectors. With a team of 250 people across 25 countries, BID Invest manages assets worth $16 billion and invests $9 billion annually, solidifying its position as a leader in sustainable finance. Prior to joining BID, Sacristán held leadership roles in commercial and investment banking in Madrid, London, and New York. She is a board member of Internet para Todos and a member of the World Trade Organization's Expert Group on Trade Finance. Sacristán holds degrees from the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid and master's degrees from the Universidad Complutense de Madrid and the University of Cambridge.