The chairwoman highlights the association’s consolidation, the drive of its vice-presidencies, and the strengthening of the port-city link
The chairwoman of RETE, the International Association for Port-City Collaboration, Teófila Martínez, has given a very positive assessment of the 39th RETE International Meeting, held on May 21 and 22 in Santander, emphasizing both the high level of the programme and the institutional and strategic reinforcement of the network.
“This meeting has confirmed RETE’s role as a benchmark platform for analysing, sharing and promoting experiences of integration between ports and cities”, Martínez stated. In her appraisal, she especially underlined the quality of the technical sessions held at the Fundación Botín and the rich diversity of cultural approaches addressed around maritime heritage, urban identity and the transformation of waterfronts.
The chairwoman wished to thank the active participation of the members in the Governing Board and General Council meetings convened in Santander, calling them “an opportunity to strengthen ties between members, share strategies and consolidate the association’s direction”. In that institutional framework, she noted as a significant milestone the admission of two new members: the City Council of Huelva and the Port Authority of Vigo, “two institutions committed to maritime culture and sustainable urban development”, bringing RETE’s membership to 68.
Likewise, Teófila Martínez praised the work of RETE’s four territorial vice-presidencies (Latin America, Italy, Portugal and Spain), which during the meeting presented their respective reports and action plans. “Having these active vice-presidencies with region-specific plans allows us to stay closer to local realities, identify best practices and forge partnerships that benefit our cities and ports”, she commented.
Another highlight for the chairwoman was the scientific and editorial quality achieved by RETE’s publications, especially the journals PORTUS and PORTUSplus, published by the Association’s Scientific Committee. “They reflect contemporary thinking on the port-city interface and are invaluable tools for researchers, professionals and public officials”, she assured.
In her closing remarks, Martínez thanked the Port of Santander and the City Council for their exemplary collaboration in organising the event, and announced that the 40th RETE Meeting will be held in Huelva in 2026—a city that “today stands as a model of urban transformation founded on its port”.
