Female Leaders Gather at WESS 2024, Discuss ESG Responsibility

The Women's Energy and Sustainability Summit (WESS) brought together the most influential women leaders in the energy industry, including figures from politics, science, research, opinion leaders, decision-makers, and entrepreneurs from around the world on June 6, 2024, to discuss critical insights for the empowerment of women in the energy sector and the promotion of sustainability. 

The central theme of the event was The Excessive Use of Natural Resources, highlighting the urgent need for innovative and sustainable solutions to challenges like the energy transition and climate change. 

WESS 2024 featured prominent national and international speakers who are experts in renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable mobility, circular economy, green finance, ESG strategies, Net Zero initiatives, nearshoring, technology, and the empowerment of women across various industries. 

Set in an inclusive and diverse environment, the summit promotes the exchange of ideas and collaboration. WESS 2024 presents a unique opportunity to be an active part of the transformative change in the business, political, and social spheres, contributing to the sustainable development of the world.

Regarding the role that enterprises, government and society play in the conservation of natural resources, experts at the event highlighted the urgency of this topic. Carla Medina Perezgomez, President, ASOLMEX, shared that it is paramount to not limit their contribution to the deployment of clean energy, but to become active participants in implementing strategies across all operations. 

Financial incentives play a central role in guiding investment decisions. During the panel Green Finances: Investing in the World’s Transformation, leaders such as María Ariza, CEO, BIVA MX; Mariuz Calvet, Chief Sustainability Officer, Banco Santander México; Estefania Michel, Sustainable Finance Manager México and LATAM, HSBC; and María del Rocío Mejía Flores, Director General, Financiera para el Bienestar, discussed the roles of banks in providing financing to ventures relevant to ESG projects. Ariza explained that in 2023 over US$15.1 billion (MX$280 billion) have been allocated thematic bonds focused on ESG.

Leaders underscored the importance of financial institutions in driving sustainability by supporting projects that align with ESG principles. The discussions highlighted how green finance is essential for the transition toward a sustainable world, providing the necessary capital for innovative projects that promote sustainability.

WESS 2024 demonstrated that the combined efforts of enterprises, government, and society are crucial in conserving natural resources and promoting sustainability. By fostering an environment of collaboration and innovation, the summit provided a unique opportunity for participants to be active contributors to the global movement toward sustainable development.