Prioritizing People and the Environment
In a significant address during the High-Level Dialogue on Financing for Development at the UN General Assembly, Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Alicia Bárcena Ibarra, emphasized Mexico’s dedication to directing internal resources toward sustainable development.
She lauded the government of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador for its policy of prioritizing internal resources for this transition.
“For the Good of All, the Poor First”
Secretary Bárcena Ibarra underscored President López Obrador’s commitment to people-centric policies, with a particular focus on infrastructure and social programs. Under the motto “for the good of all, the poor first,” these programs have taken center stage in Mexico’s development agenda.
Transformative Infrastructure Investments
The secretary highlighted major infrastructure investments, including over $25 billion allocated for the Mayan Train, a 1,554-kilometer railway project, and a 300-kilometer line connecting the Gulf and Pacific coasts. These projects prioritize natural parks, biodiversity, culture, and the environment, all while generating jobs and boosting the economy.
Reforestation and Rural Empowerment
Secretary Bárcena Ibarra discussed the Sembrando Vida program, which has reforested more than one million hectares and supported over half a million local producers with an investment exceeding $2 billion. This initiative enhances environmental sustainability and empowers rural communities.
Youth Development and Poverty Reduction
The secretary highlighted the Youth Building the Future program, which, with an investment of $1.6 billion, has trained three million young people and helped lift five million people out of poverty. This success is attributed to tax reforms and resource allocation, all without incurring significant debt.
Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Efficiency
Mexico’s public investment has been achieved through fiscal responsibility and economic efficiency, maintaining a debt rate of 49% of GDP. Strict control of tax increases and historic tax collection have contributed to this achievement, with a 0.7% GDP increase.
International Commitments
Secretary Bárcena Ibarra expressed strong support for international initiatives, including those aimed at alleviating the debt of developing countries. Moreover, she emphasized the importance of reforming international financial institutions to create more flexible financing options for middle-income nations.
Additionally, she highlighted the necessity of mobilizing international resources that do not generate debt, underlining the significance of sustainable funding. Furthermore, she fervently advocated for the establishment of a convention that addresses tax payments by companies in the locations where they generate profits.
Mexico’s Commitment to Financing for Development
Resuming Mexico’s commitment to the “Spirit of Monterrey,” Secretary Bárcena Ibarra announced that Mexico will co-sponsor the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in 2025, further solidifying its dedication to the Mexico sustainable development goals, global development, and sustainability.
Sources: THX News & Government of Mexico.
