The mayor of Madrid, José Luis Martínez-Almeida, has participated in the second edition of the ‘Madrid, Capital de Iberoamérica’ awards, an initiative by the Madrid City Council and the Business Council Alliance for Ibero-America (CEAPI) aimed at recognising individuals and projects that enhance the ties between the Spanish capital and Ibero-America in business, culture, and communication.
This year’s recipients include Carlos Vargas Loret de Mola, honoured in the Business Initiative category; Alejandro Roemmers, recognised for Cultural Initiative; and Miguel Henrique Otero, awarded for Connection and Communication.
During the ceremony held at the Cecilio Rodríguez Gardens Pavilion in Retiro Park, Almeida praised the achievements of the three awardees in fostering the exchange of ideas, developing initiatives, and promoting cultural and business activities between Madrid and Ibero-America. He emphasised the importance of “the strengths and opportunities we can achieve together” to restore “hope and confidence.”
Almeida further highlighted the significance of these awards in “strengthening relations between Ibero-America and the city of Madrid,” building bridges across business, economic, social, and cultural domains, and asserting that “we have a great future ahead.”
Profiles of the awardees
Carlos Vargas Loret de Mola is an economist and businessman, serving as CEO of Andino Investment Holding, a business group with a presence in Peru, Mexico, and Spain, specialising in airport infrastructure, logistics, financial services, and real estate development.
Alejandro Guillermo Roemmers, an Argentine businessman, writer, and patron, has been recognised for his commitment to promoting culture, literature, and human development. In addition to his business career, he has established a notable presence as a poet and author, with works published and translated into several languages, making him one of the most significant voices in contemporary Spanish poetry.
Meanwhile, Miguel Henrique Otero is the editor-in-chief of El Nacional, one of Venezuela's most important newspapers. Throughout his career, he has combined his business activities with a strong commitment to defending freedom of expression, independent journalism, and democracy.
The jury for these awards is chaired by the mayor of Madrid, who has delegated his vote to Deputy Mayor Inma Sanz; the Delegate for Economy, Innovation and Finance, Engracia Hidalgo; and the Councillor for Tourism, Almudena Maíllo, alongside members of CEAPI and representatives from various organisations such as the Ibero-American General Secretariat (SEGIB), Casa de América, ATREVIA, and the Royal Spanish Academy.
