John Beckham, NADBank Director General, Highlights Water as Top Priority
John Beckham, Director General of the North American Development Bank (NADBank), emphasizes that water is the central issue shaping the agenda for the US-Mexico border region. He outlines several key challenges and initiatives to address them:
Water Management
- Reducing dependence on major water sources, such as the Rio Bravo and Colorado rivers.
- Reusing water utilized by industries.
- Improving water consumption efficiency in the agricultural sector.
- Enhancing public water institutions and infrastructure in municipalities.
Border Crossing Improvements
Beckham also highlights the importance of optimizing border crossings to facilitate more efficient bilateral trade of legal products. This involves modernizing transportation systems, which in turn will improve air quality—a pressing issue along the border.
Human Capital Development
Another priority for the NADBank is fostering human capital development in local governments. Beckham stresses that banks of development should go beyond simply lending money; they must invest in training individuals working on high-impact topics, such as water management organizations on both sides of the border.
NADBank Summit 2025: Amidst Changing Presidencies
The 2025 NADBank Summit takes place amidst the transition of presidencies in Mexico and the United States. Despite uncertainty, Beckham reports receiving clear support signals from both governments. Recent contributions include $42 million from Mexico and $49 million from the United States.
The NADBank finances 328 infrastructure projects worth $4,196 million, supporting a total investment of $12,304 million. Examples include improvements to Ciudad Juárez’s sewage system, expansions of sewage and sanitation systems in Nuevo Laredo, and the expansion of the Anzalduas land border crossing in Mission, Texas.
“The Border is Working”
Beckham asserts that the border region has made significant progress in recent years. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration and shared vision for a politically and financially backed agenda, stating that such an approach can achieve substantial results.
Confirmed Speakers for the NADBank Summit
The NADBank Summit, taking place on August 28-29 in San Antonio, will feature notable speakers such as:
- Diana Alarcón, World Bank Director
- Víctor Manuel Villalobos, former Mexican Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development
- Tony González, U.S. representative from Texas District 23
- Abraham Zamora, President of Sempra Energy in Mexico
- Alejandra Vázquez Langle, Global Sustainability Director at Grupo Bimbo
Key Questions and Answers
- What are the main priorities for the US-Mexico border region? Water management, border crossing improvements, and human capital development are the key priorities.
- What recent contributions have been made to support these priorities? Mexico contributed $42 million, and the United States provided $49 million to the NADBank.
- What is the total investment supported by the NADBank? The NADBank supports a total investment of $12,304 million through financing 328 infrastructure projects worth $4,196 million.
- What notable speakers are confirmed for the NADBank Summit 2025? Diana Alarcón (World Bank Director), Víctor Manuel Villalobos (former Mexican Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development), Tony González (U.S. representative from Texas District 23), Abraham Zamora (President of Sempra Energy in Mexico), and Alejandra Vázquez Langle (Global Sustainability Director at Grupo Bimbo).
