On a day like today, but in 1877, Enrique Carlos Alberto Mosconi was born in Buenos Aires, a man whose vision and commitment left their mark on Argentine history. A military man, engineer and politician, Mosconi not only excelled in the military field, but was also a pioneer in the organisation and exploitation of the country's energy resources.

He spent his childhood in Europe, but his return to Argentina was the beginning of an outstanding career. He graduated from the National Military College and obtained a degree in Civil Engineering at the University of Buenos Aires. His training was completed in Germany, where he did postgraduate studies at the Technical School of Artillery and Engineers in Charlottenburg. His career in the Army led him to occupy important positions, such as Deputy Director of War Arsenals and Director of the Esteban de Luca Arsenal, where he elaborated the first military industrial statistics of the country.

Mosconi was also a fervent promoter of the development of military and civil aviation. In 1920, he was appointed Director of the Army Aeronautics Service, where he promoted modernisation and training in this strategic area. However, his most important milestone came in the energy sector when, in 1922, he was appointed Director of Yacimientos Petrolíferos Fiscales (YPF). From this position, Mosconi transformed YPF into an engine of development for the country, promoting oil self-sufficiency.

Between 1927 and 1928 Mosconi travelled around Latin America informing the authorities about Argentina's experience with fossil fuels, promoting the integration of oil efforts. Mosconi was the main driving force behind a national policy that placed natural resources at the service of the economic, industrial and social development of the Nation. The influence of this doctrine had an impact in Mexico, Brazil, Uruguay, Bolivia and Colombia.

In addition, with a visionary outlook, he promoted the training of technicians abroad and in Argentina, establishing educational programmes in institutes such as the Colegio Industrial de la Nación and the Escuela de Minas de San Juan.

His work made it possible to improve the competitiveness of peripheral regions, strengthen the transport infrastructure and guarantee an equitable supply of fuels throughout the territory.

Mosconi died on 4 June 1940. His legacy also lives on in every town, institution, street, neighbourhood, airport that bears his name. His fight for energy sovereignty and national development remains an example of patriotism and commitment to the progress of Argentina.