Mexico's Sustainable Vision Showcased at WEF

Alicia Bárcena, Minister of Environment, participated in the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, where she presented Mexico's efforts in sustainable development and climate change. Bárcena reviewed Mexico’s proposals to promote the circular economy, environmental restoration, and gender equity.

During the five days of WEF activities, Bárcena highlighted progress on national projects, such as the Mexico Plan, which includes a US$277 billion investment in 2,000 projects aimed at fostering economic development with an environmental focus. This initiative also seeks to create 1.5 million jobs.

The minister emphasized the strong interest in Mexico, given its macroeconomic stability and resilience to global crises. She noted that the primary interest shown by business leaders was in infrastructure, particularly regarding Mexico’s major projects involving trains, highways, ports, airports, development hubs, and circular economy initiatives.

During the forum, New Plastics Economy Agreement, Bárcena stated that Mexico is ready to adopt legally binding obligations. “We want global binding commitments to gradually eliminate plastics and harmful chemicals,” she asserted. She also stressed that the circular economy offers significant business opportunities, citing a roadmap proposed by the business sector in Mexico City to replace 53% of current plastic production by 2040.

At the working session, Opportunities in the Ocean Economy, Bárcena highlighted the economic value of oceans, which can contribute around US$2.5 trillion annually to global GDP and generate up to 350 million jobs. She noted that Mexico aims to promote aquaculture and artisanal fishing while restoring and strengthening mangroves, which are crucial for carbon absorption.

Additionally, the directive emphasized the need to advance a circular economy to address and reverse damage to the oceans. She used Quintana Roo’s sargassum issue as an example, explaining that it will be treated as a fishery resource. A circular economy park will be established to utilize sargassum as a commercial opportunity. “We have companies interested in this, and we will produce cosmetics and plastic substitutes, which are among the main threats to oceans today,” she stated.

Bárcena also highlighted the National Restoration Program and the National Water Agreement, describing them as key instruments of Mexico’s humanistic ecological and environmental policy. By 2030, the Mexican government aims to restore 150Mha of critical ecosystems, including forests, jungles, and mangroves, as reported by MBN. She stressed the importance of working closely with communities and Indigenous peoples who have lived in these areas for generations.

During the forum, Towards Parity in Power, Bárcena shared the progress Mexico has made in gender parity. She emphasized that President Sheinbaum’s victory represents a milestone in Mexico’s history as the first female president in a traditionally patriarchal country. She also pointed out that a law now ensures that 50% of Congress members are women. Additionally, she underscored the need for women to reach leadership and decision-making positions in the private sector, a challenge still being addressed.

Minister Bárcena also participated in other forums, such as Protecting People Against Climate Change, Industrial Decarbonization as a Growth Strategy, Global Economic Outlook, and The U.S.-EU-China Triangle. Furthermore, she held bilateral meetings with diplomats, including Katrin Schneeberger, Director of the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment, to explore areas of environmental cooperation ahead of COP30. She also engaged in discussions with key players from companies and international funds.