Davos 2026: Mexico Highlights Sustainable Investment Plans

Mexico’s delegation returned from the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos after a week of discussions focused on sustainable investment and economic growth. The delegation was led by Minister of Environment and Natural Resources Alicia Bárcena and Altagracia Gómez, coordinator of the Advisory Council for Regional Economic Development and Relocation (CADERR). From Jan. 19–23, 2026, the officials presented the government’s Plan México development strategy, environmental priorities, and circular economy initiatives in meetings, panels, and forums with global business leaders.

Speaking to the press after the summit, Bárcena said Mexico’s presence at Davos aimed to attract foreign investment, promote import substitution, generate jobs, and advance sustainable development. “We have focused on presenting Plan México so people understand what Mexico is doing to advance development, particularly sustainable development with social inclusion, growth, and prosperity,” she said.

Representing President Claudia Sheinbaum, Bárcena also promoted the Poles of Economic Development for Well-Being (PODECOBIS) and the Poles of Circular Economy Development for Well-Being (PODECIBIS). She noted these initiatives have attracted investor interest by offering clearly defined locations and frameworks for investment across the country. “We have met with companies specializing in circular economy activities that are very interested in investing in Mexico,” she said. A first delegation of 100 executives from global companies is expected to visit Mexico in March to explore opportunities linked to green and circular economy projects.

“We have met with companies that specialize in circular economy activities, for example, and that are very interested in investing in Mexico and visiting the country,” Bárcena said, citing Mexico’s capacity to develop projects aligned with environmental responsibility.

She announced that a first delegation of 100 executives from global companies is expected to visit Mexico in March to explore investment opportunities tied to green and circular economy projects.

Gómez emphasized Mexico’s efforts to align industrial and trade policy with natural and logistical advantages to foster investment-led growth. “We aim to coordinate industrial policy with trade policy and natural enablers so development promotes investment, generates growth, and supports shared prosperity,” she said, noting that the country seeks higher domestic and foreign investment translating into quality jobs and positive social and environmental impacts.

During her participation, Bárcena called for accelerating energy transition, circular economy adoption, and ecological restoration to address climate change. She highlighted Mexico’s commitment to protect 30% of its national territory by 2030, with 99 million hectares currently designated as terrestrial and marine protected areas. She also outlined plans to expand circular economy models for waste management, including tires, construction debris, and plastics. “We are leaving the linear economy behind and moving fully into the circular economy. Waste should not be generated; all waste can be used as a resource,” she said.

Over five days, Bárcena held bilateral meetings with global leaders. She discussed green transition financing and energy efficiency with Marcus Wallenberg, chair, SEB Group; reviewed marine conservation initiatives with Peter Thomson, UN secretary-general’s special envoy for the oceans; and explored circular economy strategies with Bart Sap, CEO, Belgian materials group Umicore, including potential collaboration in Mexico’s planned circular economy parks.

Other meetings included talks with Alexander Soros, chair, Open Society Foundations, on a socially just ecological transition, and with Rafael Grossi, director general, International Atomic Energy Agency, to explore technical cooperation opportunities.