Quito Airport Sustainability Conference: A High-Level Meeting to Discuss Today's Challenges and Their Future Impact

The Wyndham Quito Airport Hotel was the stage for the notable Quito International Airport Sustainability Conference, organized by Corporación Quiport. This high-level event brought together renowned experts in sustainability, who shared their knowledge and experiences through lectures and panel discussions.

In the current context, discussing sustainability with a focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria is crucial for addressing future challenges. The airport industry, in particular, faces significant hurdles on its path to sustainability. Implementing ESG practices not only helps mitigate environmental impact but also promotes social equity and strengthens corporate governance.

During the conference, the central theme was how sustainability lies at the heart of smart business strategies that can lead to sustainable economic growth. Experts emphasized the need to integrate ESG criteria into all operations and strategic decisions to ensure a more resilient and equitable future.

The airport industry faces various challenges on its road to sustainability, including decarbonizing operations, efficient resource management, and implementing inclusive and equitable policies. The adoption of clean technologies and the promotion of circular economy practices are essential to reduce the carbon footprint and improve operational efficiency.

Moreover, personal data protection and cybersecurity have become fundamental pillars for sustainability in the digital age. Financial transparency and regulatory compliance are also crucial in building trust and promoting sustainable practices.

The first panel, titled “Sustainable Businesses: A Good Deal for Everyone,” featured Evangelina Gómez, Executive Director of CERES; Juan Martín Muller, Communications and Education Manager at WWF Ecuador; and Ramón Miró, President and CEO of Corporación Quiport. Moderated by María José Hernández, Director of Sustainability and Local Development at the Chamber of Industries and Production, this panel explored how sustainable practices not only benefit the environment but also represent profitable and responsible business opportunities.

The second panel, “Gender Equity as a Pillar of Sustainability,” highlighted the importance of gender inclusion in sustainability. Panelists included Bettina Carvajal, General Manager of United Airlines in Ecuador; Alcira Enríquez, Human Resources Manager at Corporación Quiport; and María Cecilia Holguín, CEO and Founding Partner of Grupo LILA, who also served as the moderator. The discussion focused on how gender equity strengthens sustainable projects and labor policies.

The day’s first lecture, “Personal Data Protection in the Digital Age,” was presented by Andrés Abad, Concession Manager and Data Protection Officer at Corporación  Quiport, and Norela Malo, Senior Associate at Pérez, Bustamante y Ponce law firm. The speakers explained the connection between cybersecurity and corporate social responsibility in a digitized world.

The panel on “Circular Economy: Challenges and Opportunities for Companies” brought together Gabriela Checa, Environmental Analyst at Latam; Andrés Sarzosa, Environment Coordinator at CERES; Verónica Navarrete, Rector of San Ignacio de Loyola School; and Fernando Cáceres, Head of Social Responsibility at Corporación Quiport. Moderated by Camila Hernández, an expert in sustainability and circular economy, the panel discussed how circular economy can transform both businesses and the environment.

The second lecture, “IFRS: Financial Transparency for a Sustainable Future,” was presented by Patricio Ramón, Partner at PwC. Ramón emphasized the importance of financial transparency for sustainability, explaining the new international financial reporting standards.

The conference continued with the presentation “Why Do People Fail to Comply? Tools to Strengthen Ethical Leadership,” delivered by Cristina Jaramillo, Partner at Compliance Ecuador. Jaramillo provided tools to foster a culture of ethical compliance within organizations.

The panel “The Importance of a Compliance Officer in Corporate Sustainability” included Maricruz Cepeda, Compliance Advisor at Tababela Cargo Center; Santiago Solines, President of the World Compliance Association; and Fernanda Pareja, Legal Manager and Compliance Officer at Corporación Quiport. Moderated by Ricardo Velasco, Director of Compliance and Anti-Corruption at Pérez, Bustamante y Ponce law firm, the panel highlighted the crucial role of Compliance Officers in corporate sustainability.

The event concluded with the panel “Decarbonization: Strategies to Reduce Corporate Carbon Footprint,” featuring Christian López, NDC and Climate Promise Coordinator at UNDP Ecuador; Carolina Orozco, CEO of PLANAMB Consulting and Management; Valeria Cadena de la Espriella, Forests and Climate Officer at the British Embassy; and Patricia Bustillos, Head of Occupational Health and Safety at Wyndham Quito Airport Hotel. Moderated by Gabriela Landázuri, EHS Manager at Corporación Quiport, the panel discussed effective strategies and success stories in decarbonization.

The Quito Airport Sustainability Conference was an inspiring event full of innovative ideas to be implemented not only in the airport industry but also across various organizations, reaffirming Corporación Quiport and the entire Mariscal Sucre International Airport community’s commitment to a more sustainable future.