Antonio Huertas, chairman of MAPFRE, shared his vision for the industry with insurance professionals as well as his commitment to the environment and social well-being. These objectives can only be achieved with economic development and sustainability.
Palma de Majorca was chosen to hold the latest MAPFRE International Global Risks Seminar, where more than 400 risk management experts came together. The most relevant voices in the insurance industry had the chance to discuss current topics within a complex context. After the pandemic’s impact on social well-being and economic development, the world has plunged into a recovery process marked by two adjacent challenges: climate change and geopolitical vicissitudes.
With this challenging and uncertain future as a backdrop, Antonio Huertas, chairman of MAPFRE, recalled the important role that the insurance industry has played throughout history during the closing ceremony of the International Seminar held in Palma de Majorca. “We have survived major world wars, huge dissensions in international trade, and very difficult times, and we have managed to keep going and create protective scenarios. Because in the end, society as we know it would not be possible without our business,” he said.
Thanks to the industry and its activity, the communities where large insurers operate have the opportunity not only to survive but to prosper. As an example, Antonio Huertas referred to the long road ahead in Latin America. “We, who are familiar these countries, are dismayed by the signs of reversal in many of the advances that had been achieved,” he acknowledged, alluding to unemployment and social inequality. He also recalled how the penetration of insurance, which could help to reduce these gaps, has regressed 30% in the last ten years.
On this road to recovery, MAPFRE aspires to be the best business partner from the point of view of protection and accident prevention. “We are a large global insurance company operating on the five continents which is very reliable and inspires confidence,” he assured. These qualities are necessary to accompany large organizations that often work in exotic markets and complex countries with difficulties in logistics and legal security.
“We have the vocation and willingness to continue working. We are indefatigable. Because growing in our business means having a better society out there,” he affirmed, recalling that this project is inseparable from citizen initiative, investor support, and supervisor understanding.
Its framework protects international markets and supports development in unpredictable environments, such as the current one. A context of social well-being and economic growth is essential to achieve an environmental balance and a sustainable future. “As much as we want to protect the planet, if society does not have adequate living conditions and companies cannot promote their business freely in a regulated market, it is very difficult to achieve,” he concluded.
