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• The binational event fostered a dialogue on innovation in sustainable solutions and alternatives for addressing current water issues, the use of clean energy, mobility, circular economies, decarbonization and financial innovation in sustainable projects.
• Distinguished speakers included the Governor of Chihuahua, Maria Eugenia Campos; the former ambassador of Mexico to the U.S., Gerónimo Gutiérrez Fernández; and the former ambassador of the U.S. to Mexico, Antonio Garza, as well as other government and business leaders from both countries.

San Antonio, Texas. - The North American Development Bank (NADBank) held its annual flagship event, NADBANK SUMMIT 2024, with the theme “Innovation for Sustainability in the U.S.-Mexico Border Region,” on August 29th and 30th, in San Antonio, Texas. The discussions promoted synergies and reflections on the importance of innovation in public policy, initiatives and partnerships to achieve environmental sustainability along with sustainable economic development in the region. In addition, it featured the actions, projects and programs undertaken by various cities and companies to address the challenges of water stress, conserve water in food value chains, and implement innovative solutions for mobility and circular economies, as well as financing strategies and access to resources for infrastructure development in the region were presented.

During his welcoming remarks, NADBank Managing Director John Beckham noted that the institution has been part of the border region and the binational relationship for the past 30 years, since its creation by the U.S. and Mexican Governments in parallel with the North American Free Trade Agreement. He reiterated the Bank’s vision of continuing to promote binational cooperation through investments in infrastructure to achieve sustainable development in border communities through financial, technical and environmental solutions that, in addition to being innovative, meet the highest standards.

He also mentioned the Bank’s three pillars of action to promote innovation and investment in environmental infrastructure as outlined in its strategic plan approved by the Board of Directors at the end of 2023, which focus on the treatment, efficient use, conservation and diversification of water resources, clean and renewable energy, and a greener economy, which includes other necessary sectors such as mobility, food value chains and circular economies, among other areas.

In the opening keynote address moderated by Gerald Schwebel, Vice President of IBC Bank, Gerónimo Gutiérrez Fernández, Mexican Ambassador to the U.S. (2017-2018) and former Managing Director of NADBank, highlighted the Bank's track record and the role it has played within the framework of the binational relationship on the border, as well as its achievements in the execution of environmental projects and its potential to foster bilateral cooperation. He also noted the importance of border crossings and the role the Bank can play in promoting this type of project.

For his part, Antonio O. Garza, U.S. Ambassador to Mexico (2000-2009) commented that the Bank will continue to play an important role on the border by promoting sustainable actions in the areas of water and clean energy. He added that there is more and more construction and infrastructure along the border, which leads to a greater capacity for international trade.

Chihuahua Governor Maria Eugenia Campos Galván, began the second day of the NADBank Summit with her keynote address, in which she reiterated her commitment to continue working with NADBank to forge a viable future for the binational community and for both nations. She also highlighted the efforts of her administration to consolidate the “semiconductor route” in order to try to establish a supply chain that connects the industrial centers of Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, with those in Phoenix, Arizona, and Austin, Texas. She added that in addition to semiconductors, Chihuahua is the stage for the development of fundamental industries worldwide, such as electromobility, medical devices and aerospace.

During the NADBank Summit 2024, keynote speeches were also made by the president of SEMPRA Infrastructure, Tania Ortíz Mena; the senior vice president of Corporate Affairs of Walmart Mexico and Central America, Javier Treviño Cantú; the vice president of Corporate Affairs of Constellation Brands, Bernardo Martínez; the global director of Sustainability of Grupo Bimbo, Alejandra Vázquez Langle; and the Mayor of San Antonio, Texas, Ron Nirenberg. In addition, 25 panelists from both the public and private sectors talked about their innovative efforts to leverage natural resources, minimize polluting emissions and make their service and business practices sustainable. Around 200 people attended the event in person or online.

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NADBank is a financial institution established and capitalized in equal parts by the United States and Mexico for the purpose of financing environmental infrastructure projects along their common border. As a pioneer institution in its field, the Bank is working to develop environmentally and financially sustainable projects with broad community support in a framework of close cooperation and coordination between Mexico and the United States.