Sergio Bitar
Former Minister of Public Works, Public Education, Mining & Senator for the Republic of Chile
Chilean Government
Sergio Bitar stands as a prominent figure in Chilean politics and civil engineering, holding numerous accolades such as the "Gold Medal" from the Institute of Engineers of Chile (2017) and the "Engineer of the Year" award (2016).
Bitas has a distinguished political history, having served as the Minister of Mining under President Salvador Allende and experienced political imprisonment during the Pinochet era. After his return from exile, he has held several pivotal roles including Senator, Minister of Education under President Ricardo Lagos, and Minister of Public Works under President Michelle Bachelet. His leadership in the Party for Democracy has left a lasting impact on Chilean politics.
In addition to his political contributions, Bitas has been actively involved in academia and international dialogue, presiding over the Chilean Council for Prospective and Strategy, and contributing as a Senior Fellow at the Inter American Dialogue. He also serves on the Advisory Board of the Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) in Stockholm, reflecting his commitment to democratic processes.
Demonstrating his dedication to Chilean heritage, Bitas is the President of Corporación Museo del Salitre. His influence extends to the educational sector, where he has served on the Board of Directors for several universities including the University of Chile, Catholic University of Temuco, University Mayor, and University Santiago.
Sergio Bitas's extensive career showcases his commitment to engineering, democracy, education, and public service. His influential work continues to shape the future of Chile, serving as an inspiration for those dedicated to public service and societal development.