Within the framework of the Smart City Expo Santiago del Estero 2025, Fernando Straface, Director of Center for International Strategies of Governments and Organizations (CIG), presented the International Capabilities Index (ICI), a tool designed to support cities and provinces in their international projection strategies. 

The presentation took place during the panel “Internationalizing Territories to Foster New Opportunities,” which included the participation of Gonçalo Teles, Ambassador of Portugal to Argentina, and Martín Olmos, Principal Executive of CAF's Digital Transformation Department. The discussion was moderated by María Soledad Delgado, Coordinator of International Relations and Cooperation for the Government of the Province of Santiago del Estero. 

During his presentation, Straface provided an overview of the current global context, characterized by complex challenges but also by clear opportunities for the Argentine provinces. He pointed out that strategic sectors such as the export of minerals critical for the energy transition and knowledge-based economies require these territories to strengthen their international presence. 

“Subnational development today depends, to a large extent, on the capacity of territories to effectively integrate into global governance,” he stated. In this regard, he emphasized that International Capabilities Index (ICI) It allows subnational governments to conduct a comprehensive self-assessment of their degree of internationalization, identifying strengths and areas for improvement. 

In addition, the ICI facilitates the development of a Roadmap for Internationalization, which offers a structured guide to strengthen the international capacities of territories and enhance their integration into global networks of cooperation, investment and innovation. 

Consult the full ICI document here: See International Capabilities Index (ICI)