The president of Iberdrola, Ignacio Galanwas invested this Wednesday doctor honoris causa for the Comillas Pontifical Universityin recognition of his professional career and his involvement and commitment to green energies. The event, which took place at the Aula Magna of the University and was attended by some 400 guests, was chaired by the rector, Antonio Allende Felgueroso. THE praise corresponded with the professor Mariano Ventosavice-rector for Research and Teaching and expert in electronic engineering.
Galán defended the electrification of the economy as it helps improve productivity, facilitates access to essential services such as education and health and promotes social and economic inclusion, the company reported .
Furthermore, Galán recalled the “social dividend” as a characteristic of the energy company with which it is explicitly obliged that its commercial activity “be a daily source of employment, innovation, care of the environment, contribution to public coffers and environmental protection. the most vulnerable groups.
The president of Iberdrola stressed that “never in history has there been a greater need to give companies a real responsibility towards the communities they serve.” “People must be at the center of all activity,” he said.
Galán also had words of appreciation for the university center where he received his engineering training. “In receiving this doctorate today, I assume the personal commitment to preserve the dignity granted to me and to pass on the legacy I received from this institution,” he said, thanking university authorities, family and ICAI colleagues for this distinction.
The president of Iberdrola had words to recall his five decades of professional career, his time in Tudor batteries, ITP aeronautics, telecommunications at Airtel and, finally, electric energy at Iberdrola.
Galán also stressed that renewable energy sources will give society “greater security and autonomy” and reduce vulnerability and dependence on imports. He recognized that past experience has taught him that any industrial reconversion is extremely complex and therefore requires courage, determination and solidarity.
However, he encouraged us to “also move away from the dogmatism that demonizes certain energy solutions and from the immobility promoted by those who see danger in danger.” status quo that they have favored for decades.
Galán is the seventh honorary doctor in the history of the ICAI. These people include a US Secretary of Energy, a president of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, top scientists and former professors. This is therefore the first time that a businessman and former student of the center has received this distinction at the ICAI.
Among the recognitions and awards available to the President of Iberdrola, the honorary doctorate from the University of Edinburgh (2011) stands out; by the University of Salamanca (2011) and by the University of Strathclyde (Glasgow). In addition, he distinguished himself for Queen Elizabeth II with the decoration of Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.
