Friday, May 29
The second day focused on major global challenges such as the energy transition, geopolitics, and risks in the defence industry. The sessions concluded with a final strategic outlook, the awards ceremony, and the closing event. Discover the videos of the sessions held on May 29 and delve deeper into their key takeaways.
Panel discussion
Electrification, global geopolitics and energy transition: challenges and opportunities for insurance
Moderator: Alberto Mengotti – Director of Underwriting – Energy Area | Mapfre Global Risks
Speakers:
- Orlando García: Director of Underwriting – Energy Area | ENGIE
- Ramón Presa: Insurance Manager – Upstream & Downstream | Repsol
Energy: risks and global transition
The session analyses the progress of electrification in a complex geopolitical environment, where the energy transition creates new opportunities and risks. Speakers highlight the pressure on infrastructure, energy diversification, and the strategic role of insurance as an enabler, providing stability, expertise, and financial support for investment decisions.
- Participants agree that electrification accelerates transformation but introduces operational complexity and dependence on networks and technology.
- They emphasise that geopolitics is redistributing risks towards supply chains, critical minerals, and global operational security.
- They highlight a multi‑energy transition, in which renewables coexist with solutions such as hydrogen and low‑carbon fuels.
Talk
Remote sensors for detecting thermal anomalies
- Óscar Estrada: Deputy Director of Engineering | Mapfre Global Risks
- Carlos Bernabéu: CEO | Arbórea Intellbird
Predictive engineering for risk management
The session addresses how technological innovation is driving prevention in complex industrial environments. Participants highlight the use of sensors, automation, and artificial intelligence to anticipate failures and improve insurability. The integration of data and autonomous systems is redefining risk management in the context of emerging energy technologies.
- It is noted that the energy transition introduces new risks that require advanced monitoring and preventive control solutions.
- Speakers highlight the value of thermal sensors and autonomous systems capable of detecting anomalies before critical incidents occur.
- They emphasise the complementarity between human expertise and technology to move towards efficient predictive maintenance.
- They conclude that innovation enhances insurability by reducing uncertainty and improving the management of emerging risks.
Panel discussion
Risks associated with the defence industry and protection of global strategic systems
Moderator: Antonio Salgado – Underwriting Manager | Mapfre Global Risks
Speakers:
- Diego de Santiago: Finance Officer | Navantia
- Javier Bastarreche: Head of Corporate Insurance | Indra
- Miguel Ángel García: CEO | Hisdesat
Defence: deterrence, technology and risks
The session analyses how the geopolitical context is driving growth in the defence sector, with increased investment and new threats. Participants highlight the role of innovation, space capabilities and cybersecurity, as well as the need for industrial and technological capabilities. Insurance is emerging as a key partner in managing complex and non-transferable risks.
- It is emphasised that the increase in defence spending responds to an unstable environment and the need to reinforce strategic deterrence.
- Experts highlight new key domains such as space and cyberspace, alongside the growing importance of technology.
- Critical risks are identified, including supply chain disruptions, obsolescence, talent shortages and systemic vulnerabilities.
Expert session
Rare earths in the global geostrategic landscape of mineral resources
Manuel Regueiro y González-Barros – Technical Advisor | CSIC
Rare earths: a global strategic cornerstone
The presentation addresses the critical role of rare earths in modern industry and the energy transition. Although abundant, their exploitation depends on complex value chains largely concentrated in China, creating supply risks and dependency. Managing these resources has become a key geopolitical factor.
- The expert explains that rare earths are not scarce, but their extraction and processing are limited, concentrating power in a few countries.
- Their essential use in technology, energy, defence, and mobility is highlighted, particularly in magnets and advanced electronic systems.
- It is emphasised that the energy transition is increasing demand for these minerals, putting pressure on global supply chains.
- It is noted that Europe faces strategic dependency and must promote investment, diversification, and its own industrial capabilities.
Keynote lecture
Geopolitical landscape
Pedro Baños – Colonel and geopolitical analyst | Geoestratego
Geopolitics: rivalry and a new global order
The presentation analyses the structural shift in the international system, marked by the rivalry between the United States and China. It highlights that current conflicts stem from economic, technological, and financial competition, with implications for supply chains and global stability. This environment is reshaping strategic risks.
- The speaker explains that China has moved into global competition with the United States in technology, trade, and finance, altering the balance of power.
- It is emphasised that the dominance of the US dollar and the economic order established after Bretton Woods are facing increasing pressure from new global players.
- The importance of critical resources and technology as levers of geopolitical influence and strategic dependency is highlighted.
- It is noted that current conflicts are indirect, global, and multisectoral, impacting security, the economy, and international stability.
Conclusions
Bosco Francoy – CEO | Mapfre Global Risks
Strategic closing: risk, innovation and value
The closing session summarises the key insights from the event, highlighting the growing impact of geopolitics, digitalisation and the energy transition on risk management. It reinforces the role of insurance as a strategic partner, driving prevention, resilience and adaptation in an uncertain and evolving global environment.
- The importance of prevention and collaboration between companies is emphasised as a key lever to reduce operational risks and improve incident response.
- The cross-cutting impact of geopolitics is highlighted, shaping economic, technological and investment decisions across all sectors.
- The increasing role of technologies such as AI, sensors and data in anticipating and managing risk is underlined.
- It is concluded that insurance must evolve towards a more strategic approach, supporting transformation and strengthening global resilience.
5th Excellence Award in Risk Management Ceremony
Progreso, recognised for excellence in risk management
Progreso is recognised for integrating sustainable growth, social impact and rigorous risk management into its business model. The value of ethics, resilience and long-term vision is highlighted. Risk management is positioned as a key lever to anticipate scenarios, protect people and drive sustainable development.
- It is emphasised that the award recognises risk management that is fully integrated with strategy, sustainability, and long-term value creation.
- Speakers highlight organisational resilience, based on anticipation, adaptation, and decision‑making in uncertain environments.
- The role of ethics and values is underlined as a key guide in business decision‑making and in building trust.
- It is concluded that risk management drives social impact, environmental protection, and community development.
Closing ceremony
Antonio Huertas – Presidente | Mapfre
María Guardiola leads the institutional closing
Antonio Huertas highlights the value of the global risk community, collaboration, and technical strength in an uncertain environment, underlining the role of insurance as a stabiliser. María Guardiola emphasises the role of Extremadura as a strategic hub, highlighting certainty, investment, and public‑private partnerships as drivers of development and trust.
- Antonio Huertas focuses on trust, professionalism, and collaboration as key pillars of the sector, highlighting social responsibility and the impact of insurance on business stability.
- He underlines the need to maintain technical rigour and a long-term vision in the face of increasing competition and global uncertainty.
- María Guardiola highlights the importance of territory, institutional stability, and investment attraction as foundations for regional growth.
- Both agree that public‑private cooperation and innovation are key to addressing risks and fostering sustainable prosperity.