RETE -International Association for the Collaboration between Ports and Cities-, has undertaken a significant organizational change to “boost its internationalization and the autonomy of representatives in different countries for organizing activities and events, and strengthening the associative base by incorporating new ports, cities, and universities,” explained its president, Teófila Martínez.
This restructuring follows the re-election, at the end of last year, of Teófila Martínez -who presides over the Port of the Bay of Cádiz- for a second term at the helm of this organization. In an extraordinary meeting of the General Council, the statutory change that allows the appointment of four vice presidencies with a marked territorial character was approved. For Latin America, the vice president is Roberto Converti, director of Oficina Urbana, Buenos Aires, Argentina; for Italy, Barbara Bonciani, advisor to the Municipality of Livorno and delegate for Port, Port-City Integration, Cooperation and Peace, University and Innovation, and International Relations; for Spain, Rafael Carmona, president of the Port Authority of Seville; and for Portugal: Marta Pontes, councilor of the Municipal Chamber of Matosinhos.
Also joining the governing board are Manuel Arana, director of Planning and Development Ports of the State of Spain; Roger Ríos, coordinator and researcher of the Comprehensive Research Program for the Development of Port Cities, Costa Rica; David Pino, director of Port Vell, Barcelona; Luis Prieto, Portos dos Açores, S.A., Portugal; and Martín Fernández, president of the Port Authority of A Coruña. The general secretary will continue to be Raquel Boy Prieto, head of the Department of Communication, Protocol, and Institutional Relations of the Port Authority of the Bay of Cádiz.
The president of RETE has stated that in the next two years, the association will focus on consolidating its leadership as a reference in achieving true integration between ports and cities. “Collaboration is essential for creating strategies that forge the future, with the support of the scientific community,” indicated Teófila Martínez. RETE will enhance the activities of the Scientific Committee, through the expansion of its ‘Advanced Nodes’ and the promotion of its international presence.
The next General Council of the association will be held in May in Barcelona, on the occasion of the celebration of the America’s Cup sailing event.
