SPEAKERS

Arturo Arroyo, Director, Drinking Water and Sewerage Service of Arequipa, SEDAPAR, Peru

Arturo Arroyo Ambía is a Civil Engineer with outstanding training and a solid professional career. He holds an MBA in Business Administration from ESAN and a Specialization in Finance from INCAE Business School (Costa Rica). He further enhances his profile with a Master's degree in Irrigation and Hydraulic Works Engineering from CEDEX (Spain), as well as postgraduate studies in Geographic Information Systems from the University of Alcalá and in Project Formulation and Management from San Marcos University. He has over twenty years of experience as a real estate developer, builder, and consultant, with extensive involvement in projects executed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. He has served as director of EGASA, an appraiser for the Judiciary and banks, and a university professor for fifteen years in Hydraulics, Projects, and Construction Engineering. He is currently the Director of SEDAPAR S.A. His leadership in three major projects in Arequipa stands out: the Chilina Bridge, the Arequipa–La Joya Highway, and the Angostura Dam.

Natasha Avendaño García, General Manager, Bogotá Water and Sewer Company, Colombia

General Manager of the Bogotá Water and Sewer Company since January 5, 2024.

An economist with three master's degrees: in Economics from the University of Los Andes, in Public Policy from the University of California, Berkeley, and in International Taxation, Foreign Trade, and Customs from the Externado University of Colombia. She holds a PhD in Public Policy from the University of California, Berkeley, with an emphasis on taxation, and has taught Economics and Economic Law at the Universidad de Los Andes and Externado.

Her notable roles include serving as Superintendent of Public Utilities from 2018 to 2022, as Expert Commissioner of the Energy and Gas Regulatory Commission (CREG) from 2022 to 2023, and as Director of Organizational Management at the National Tax and Customs Directorate (DIAN) since 2012, where she also served as Deputy Director of Operational Analysis. For seven years, she served as an advisor to the Ministry of Finance and Public Credit, as part of the Macroeconomic Policy Directorate and the Technical Vice Ministry.

Lourdes Saurez Barboza, President, Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers – AYA

In 2005, I began my studies in Civil Engineering at the University of Costa Rica. During my studies, I worked as an assistant in the Sustainable Urban Development Research Program (PRODUS) at the University of Costa Rica.

From 2011 to 2015, I worked for Ericsson Costa Rica as an engineer in the Telecommunications Tower Design and Construction Engineering Unit, later becoming the head of that unit. In 2015, I decided to work independently, carrying out residential design and construction projects. I continued this work until 2017, when, with the birth of my first daughter, I decided to seek more stable employment and was offered a position in the Directorate of Educational Infrastructure. From 2017 to 2023, I worked as a project engineer in indigenous territories, and from 2023 to August 2025, I served as the director of the infrastructure department at the Ministry of Public Education. In August 2025, I was offered the opportunity to assume the executive presidency of the Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers, a position I am currently fulfilling with great gratitude for the opportunity and responsibility.

Manuel Vicente Barrera Medina, Operations Director for Municipal Water, Veolia Holding Colombia and Panama

Professional in Business Administration, specialized in international finance from Politécnico Grancolombiano, with postgraduate studies in Senior Management from Universidad de los Andes and the Senior Business Management Program (PAD) from Inalde. He has more than 20 years of experience in senior management positions at major public utility companies, as well as in the development of Corporate Social Responsibility and/or Shared Value programs, and in the implementation of reputational and communication strategies. He serves as a guild representative and is a member of several boards of directors.

Bartolo Omar Beato Diaz, General Director, La Vega Water and Sewerage Corporation, CORAAVEGA, Dominican Republic

Engineer Bartolo Omar Beato Diaz, founding General Director of the La Vega Water and Sewerage Corporation (CORAAVEGA) from 2009 to 2020, is returning to the same position.

He was a Professor at the Catholic Technological University of Cibao from 1994 to 1998, President of the North-Central Regional Chapter of the Dominican College of Engineers, Architects, and Surveyors (CODIA) from 2006 to 2007, and a Judge of the Disciplinary Tribunal of the Central Chapter of CODIA. He is currently a board member of the Association for the Development of the Province of La Vega.

He also served as the provincial head of the Institute of Hydraulic Resources (INDRI) from 2004 to 2007 and as the provincial head of operations for the National Institute of Drinking Water (INAPA) from 2007 to 2010.

He was a former member of the Steering Committee representing the La Vega Water and Sewerage Corporation (CORAAVEGA) of ALOAS—the Latin American Association of Water and Sanitation Operators—from 2015 to 2018.

He was also the former president of the Association for Development from 2020 to 2024 and the former president of the Provincial Council for the Administration of Mining Funds from 2020 to 2024.

He has been the current General Director of the La Vega Water and Sewerage Corporation (CORAAVEGA) since November 2024.

IVÁN BUITRAGO, Engineering Department Director, FF SOLUCIONES

Iván Alexander Buitrago León is a Mechanical Engineer and Specialist in Urban Water Systems Engineering from the University of the Andes. He holds a Master's degree in Hydraulic Resources Engineering from the National University of Colombia.

With over two decades of experience, his work focuses on the design, innovation, and technical management of projects in drinking water, basic sanitation, and renewable energy. He is an expert in the management and optimization of water supply systems, and the implementation of telemetry, instrumentation, and control.

He has advised numerous water utilities on the development of policies for water metering, water loss control, and reduction of the Non-Revenue Water Index (NRWI) based on the IWA methodology. He is also the author of technical articles. His experience includes developing telemetry systems that transmit pressure, flow, and water quality data for the analysis of water supply networks, and providing technical management for drinking water treatment plant (DWTP) and water treatment plant (WTP) projects.

Emerson Castro, Director, Special Projects Directorate, ProInversión, Peru

A licensed and registered Civil Engineer from the National University Federico Villarreal, he also holds a Master's degree in Construction Management from the Peruvian University of Applied Sciences. He has over 15 years of experience in public-private partnerships, as well as experience in project management, execution, and monitoring.

He has served as Director General of Transportation Programs and Projects at the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, Director of the Disaster Reconstruction Management Unit at PRONIED (National Program for Educational Infrastructure), Director of Investment Planning at the General Directorate of Educational Infrastructure at the Ministry of Education, Director General of the Project Portfolio Directorate at ProInversión, and Director of the General Directorate of Private Investment Promotion Policy at the Ministry of Economy and Finance. He is currently the Director of the Special Projects Directorate.

Fabián Cazar, Manager of Potable Water and Sanitation, ETAPA EP, Ecuador

Civil Engineer with a strong academic background, supported by four master’s degrees in Water Engineering, Project Management, Business Administration, and Applied Mathematics. He has over 20 years of experience in the public sector, specializing in the planning, construction, and supervision of potable water, sewage, and sanitation systems.

He has served as Manager of Potable Water and Sanitation at ETAPA EP, leading strategic projects, strengthening water infrastructure management, and coordinating international technical cooperation processes.

In parallel, he teaches university courses in Engineering, Architecture, and Mathematics at highly prestigious academic institutions. He is recognized for his analytical ability, professional commitment, and technical leadership in the development of urban infrastructure works and environmental sustainability projects.

PAULO CRUZ, Business Development Manager Central and South America, ANDRITZ

Paulo Cruz has over 15 years of experience in the water and wastewater sector, working with pumping technologies, automation solutions, and energy-efficient systems for municipal and industrial applications. He has developed solutions and projects for leading global companies, supporting utilities in modernizing pumping stations, reducing losses, improving hydraulic performance, and optimizing operational efficiency. His background combines strong technical expertise with strategic market insight and the implementation of high-impact technologies across the water cycle. Paulo currently serves as Business Development Manager for Central and South America at ANDRITZ, contributing to the advancement of high-reliability pumping systems in the region.

Francisco Hernandez, Latin America Business Development Director , Xylem Vue

Francisco holds a degree in Electronic Engineering and a Master's degree in Water Management from the Colegio de la Frontera Norte (Mexico). His career has been developed in the integration of computational solutions, as a consultant and supplier for the private and governmental sector. He has been part of Idrica since 2022 and has actively participated in the development and implementation of Xylem Vue solutions in Mexico City. He is currently in charge of developing business opportunities in Latin America.

Wascar Martínez, Executive Deputy Director, National Institute of Drinking Water and Sewerage (INAPA), Dominican Republic

Wascar Martínez is a surveying engineer and currently serves as Executive Deputy Director of the National Institute of Drinking Water and Sewerage (INAPA). He has extensive experience in managing external financing for the development of the water and sanitation sector. He is a member of the Water Cabinet and part of the team responsible for reviewing the Water Law currently under consideration in the National Congress. He also belongs to the agricultural front and is a founding member of the Department of Water Resources.  

From 2000 to 2020, he served as CEO of Construcciones Progreso Dominicano, a company specialized in hydraulic works. Additionally, he is a member of the public policy team promoted by the Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM), contributing to the design and strengthening of strategies for the sustainable development of the country’s water sector.

Nicolás MONTERDE ROCA, Managing Director, Aguas de Valencia International

Currently leading the global strategy and management of Aguas de Valencia International, driving expansion into international markets and strengthening the company’s presence in water and sanitation projects.

Over 20 years of experience in the integrated water cycle sector, with a solid track record in technical management, strategic planning, and project development across Latin America and Europe. Expert in hydraulic modeling, network operations, multidisciplinary team management, and the digital transformation of utilities.

Jacobo Moreno Mora, Export Manager, Molecor

Jacobo Moreno Mora. 49 years old - . Agricultural Engineer from the Polytechnic University of Valencia- Spain, with more than 20 years of experience in the water sector. With extensive experience in the company, initially in the national market and for 10 years in international markets, initially developing the European and North African markets with extensive commercial experience, in team management and opening of new markets. I currently hold the position of Export Manager at Molecor, focused mainly on the South American market, where we have set clear growth objectives for the coming years.

In addition to my experience, I have an Executive MBA, speak English perfectly and have an intermediate level of French. I have a strong reputation for interpersonal relationships and communication.

DAVID ORTIZ LUZURIAGA, General Manager, EMAPAG-EP, ECUADOR

Civil Engineer, Master's in Administration and Public Policy, Master's in Project Management, and Master's in Hydraulic Infrastructure (currently pursuing).

He has extensive experience in both the public and private sectors, having held positions such as Project Manager at the Public Water Company (EPA-EP), Administrator of the Santa Elena Business Unit at the National Electricity Corporation (CNEL-EP), Project Management Manager at the Public Water Company (EPA-EP), Public Works Advisor to the President of the Republic, Advisor to the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG), Minister of Transportation and Public Works (MTOP), and Advisor to the Secretary General of the Presidency of the Republic. He is currently the General Manager of EMAPAG-EP. He has broad experience in hydraulic infrastructure, as well as in surveying and road construction, traffic management, building construction, and civil works. He has also participated in numerous courses and lectures both in Ecuador and abroad.

Alberto Sánchez, Vice President, Health Services Company of Paraguay, ESSAP S.A.

Currently: Member of the Board of Directors. Vice President of the Health Services Company of Paraguay, ESSAP S.A.

Economist. UFRR – Curitiba Brazil

MBA in Project Management. Getulio Vargas Foundation. Brazil PM4R Master Professional. IDB

Master in Government and Public Management. American University

Other studies:

• Specialization in Strategic Management. University of Belgrano- Argentina. 2024

• Water 2.0 Efficient Companies for the 21st Century. IDB Academy. 2023

• Diploma in Governance and Public Innovation. Getulio Vargas Foundation. Brazil. 2022

• Specialization in Operational Coordination in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene in the humanitarian field. UNICEF. August 2020

• Project Management Applied to the Public and Private Sectors of Latin America. INDES/IDB September 2020

• Specialization in Public-Private Partnerships and Concessions. Faculty of Economics – University of Chile. Asunción, Paraguay. March 2019

• Specialization in Strengthening Basin Organizations and Water Governance in Central America. Antigua Training Center – Guatemala. AECID, UNESCO, and CODIA September 2019

• Diploma in Evaluation of Public Policies and Programs. ECLAC - Institute of Planning and Socioeconomic Studies – ILPES – Santiago, Chile. July 2018

• Diploma in Logical Framework and Project Management. ECLAC - Institute of Planning and Socioeconomic Studies – ILPES – Santiago, Chile. July 2017

• Diploma in Strategic Planning for Water Supply Systems. AECID Training Center – Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia. June 2016

Germán Sturzenegger, Chief of the Water and Sanitation Division, Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)

With more than 17 years of experience leading the design and implementation of water and sanitation projects across Latin America and the Caribbean, Germán has spearheaded flagship initiatives on circular economy, water conservation, and behavioral change at the IDB, while also promoting evidence-based policymaking through rigorous impact evaluations. A recognized voice in the sector, he has authored numerous research and policy publications on water, sanitation, and solid waste, and holds a Master’s Degree in Public Policy from Harvard University as a Fulbright Scholar.

Gustavo Vargas, President of the Board of Directors, ANEPSSA, Peru

Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration

MBA in Business Management and Direction from the University of Tarapacá, Chile

Master's Degree in Public Management from EUCIM Spain and San Martín de Porres University  

Member of the Public Managers Corps of SERVIR  

Current Chairman of the Board of Directors of EPS SEDACUSCO S.A. and President of the Board of Directors of ANEPSSA  

Former Board Member of Empresa Nacional de la Coca S.A.  

More than twenty years leading public and private institutions.  

Manager/promoter of the following Regional Ordinances:  

- Declaring the strengthening of the Tea Value Chain and the creation of the Regional Technical Board for Cusco Tea to be of regional interest and priority.  

- Directing the Regional Government of Cusco to carry out the necessary procedures to obtain ISO 37001 certification (Anti-Bribery Management System).

Rutilio A. Villarreal Leguizamo, Executive Director, National Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers - IDAAN, Panama

Rutilio A. Villarreal Leguizamo is a Civil Engineer, graduated from the Technological University of Panama. He serves as the Executive Director of the National Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (IDAAN).

Specialist in the design of hydraulic, sanitary, geotechnical, and road infrastructure.

Specialist in Geodesy and Topography.

He has been a professor of Hydraulics and Potable Water Supply at the International Maritime University of Panama.

Former President and active member of the Panamanian Society of Engineers and Architects (Sociedad Panameña de Ingenieros y Arquitectos – SPIA).

Former President of the Technical Board of Engineering and Architecture (Junta Técnica de Ingeniería y Arquitectura – JTIA).

Active member of the Panamanian Chamber of Construction (Cámara Panameña de la Construcción – CAPAC).

Max von Igel, Managing Director for Latin America, HUBER

Max von Igel is the Managing Director for Latin America at HUBER SE, a global leader in water and wastewater treatment technologies. Based in Santiago, Chile, he has led HUBER's regional operations since 2005, spearheading market development and strategic growth in Latin America. A Construction Engineer from the Universidad Central (Chile), Max brings over 30 years of experience in infrastructure and environmental engineering. Prior to HUBER, he led major international projects in Europe and Latin America with Dyckerhoff & Widmann. Fluent in German and Spanish, and fluent in English and Portuguese, Max is known for his technical expertise, market development skills, commitment to innovation, building strong collaborations with utilities, engineering firms, and government agencies to establish HUBER as a trusted regional partner and regional leader in sustainable environmental technologies, particularly in the liquid-solid separation business.