Foreign Secretary Alicia Bárcena chairs Joint Steering Committee meeting on the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2020-2025

Foreign Secretary Alicia Bárcena chairs Joint Steering Committee meeting on the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2020-2025

• The participants discussed the actions of the Mexican Government in 2023 regarding implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework
• In collaboration with UN Mexico, 261 national and local initiatives promoted and strengthened equality, inclusion, prosperity, and justice for Mexican society

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the United Nations (UN) country team in Mexico convened today for a Joint Steering Committee meeting on the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2020-2025. The session highlighted the Mexican Government's actions in 2023 towards implementing the 2030 Agenda and showcased UN Mexico's key contributions to national development priorities.

The Cooperation Framework establishes the collective commitment of UN agencies, funds, and programs to assist the Mexican government's efforts in advancing sustainable development, taking into account national priorities and the commitments of the Mexican Government to the international community.

The meeting was chaired by Foreign Secretary Alicia Bárcena Ibarra and UN Resident Coordinator in Mexico Peter Grohmann. It was attended by representatives from 25 UN agencies, funds, and programs in Mexico, as well as Foreign Ministry and federal government officials, organized civil society, the private sector, and stakeholders involved in implementing the 2030 Agenda.

In her remarks, Foreign Secretary Alicia Bárcena stated, "President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has been one of the most important allies in ensuring that no one is left behind or left out [...] He has been very emphatic and consistent in supporting the most vulnerable."

"For Mexico, the 2030 Agenda remains very important [...] For us, in addition to poverty, other very important issues are equality and closing gaps [...] As a country, we are deeply committed to development financing," she emphasized.

"You know that in me you have an ally [...] I am very pleased to hear about the achievements and results obtained by all UN agencies, funds, and programs," Secretary Bárcena added.

UN Resident Coordinator in Mexico Peter Grohmann noted, "The vision of development that Mexico has expressed through its public policies in recent years is very consistent with the 2030 Agenda [...] There are still several challenges, but Mexico gives us hope with its achievements in reducing poverty and inequality, and we fully trust in its commitment to continue advancing this shared agenda."

Altagracia Gómez Sierra, representative of President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, also participated in the Steering Committee session. She said that the future administration is firmly committed to international cooperation and Mexico's progress on the 2030 Agenda.

The meeting participants noted that during President López Obrador's administration, Mexico has demonstrated that it is possible to advance towards equality and inclusion, leaving no one behind or out, through a humanist and social vision that shares principles with the 2030 Agenda.

Between 2018 and 2022, 5.1 million Mexicans rose out of poverty and inequality decreased. The increase in minimum wage, universal pension for older adults, and social programs for vulnerable sectors of society are some of the policies that have significantly contributed to advancing the 2030 Agenda in Mexico, particularly in terms of equality.

In 2023, the 25 UN Mexico agencies, funds, and programs supported and contributed to 261 national and local initiatives to promote and strengthen equality and inclusion; drive prosperity and innovation; support a green economy that addresses climate change; and strengthen institutions to expand peace and justice for all people in Mexico.

In terms of equality and inclusion, highlights include the creation of the National Map of Care Services; 3.6 million students benefiting from inclusive education strategies; and shelters to assist the population in mobility.

In the area of prosperity and innovation, over 8,700 women acquired skills to achieve economic autonomy; around 35,000 refugees and asylum seekers entered the formal workforce; and the National Child Labor Survey was developed to eradicate this evil practice.

Regarding the promotion of a green economy and actions to counter climate change, UN Mexico supported the creation of 38 new Protected Natural Areas and 46 Areas Voluntarily Destined for Conservation, a historic milestone that adds five million hectares to the country's conservation network. It also supported the creation of a National Inventory of Plastic Pollution Sources and assisted ten states in establishing rainwater collection systems to address droughts. Additionally, the organization provided support to the federal government and citizens in the aftermath of Hurricane Otis.

In relation to justice, rule of law, and peace, Mexico now has a strengthened legal framework, and its institutions and citizens have tools to prevent and eradicate femicide. Protection for internally displaced persons, human rights defenders, and journalists was also strengthened. The National Strategy to Combat Illicit Trafficking of Migrants from a Gender Perspective was developed, and the Global Container Control Program was implemented.

The Joint Steering Committee meeting concluded with reflections on the 2026-2031 Cooperation Framework and the renewal of agreements to continue advancing the 2030 Agenda.

The event recognized the joint work carried out by the federal government, UN Mexico, and the institutions involved, and reaffirmed their commitment to collaboration to ensure the well-being of Mexican society and build a more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable future.