SEMARNAT, SDSN Unite 19 Mexican Universities on Climate Goals

Mexico’s Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) convened representatives from Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) to integrate academic perspectives into its updated Paris Agreement climate commitments. Hosted by Tecnológico de Monterrey, the “Participatory Workshop with the Academic Sector for the Third Update of Mexico’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0)” brought together representatives from 19 universities nationwide. 

The goal was to gather input from higher education institutions on strategies to strengthen Mexico’s NDC, which outlines national targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change. According to Andrea Hurtado Epstein, Director General, Climate Action Policies (DGPAC) at SEMARNAT, “collaboration between the government and universities is essential for developing sound climate strategies based on scientific evidence.”

Following a progress update on NDC 3.0 by DGPAC, SDSN representatives led roundtable discussions to share gaps, opportunities, and lessons identified during the update process. They also explored how their institutions can promote key policy initiatives within the program. At the event’s conclusion, university representatives presented specific climate policy recommendations for SEMARNAT’s consideration in NDC 3.0.

Karina Ruiz, SDSN Mexico manager, Tecnológico de Monterrey, highlighted the workshop’s role in enabling universities to share ongoing climate initiatives and identify potential collaboration areas with the government. Édgar Leyva, SDSN Mexico manager for the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), presented resources the network can provide to support academic involvement in NDC design and implementation.

SDSN Mexico, coordinated by UNAM and Tecnológico de Monterrey, includes 95 universities and research centers. Its partner network, COMPLEXUS, created in 2000 by SEMARNAT and the National Association of Higher Education Institutions (ANUIES), brought together the 19 universities participating in the workshop.