BRIEFING GIVEN ON GREEN GROWTH, A MEXICAN PRIORITY FOR THE G20 SUMMIT

• The Mexican presidency of the G20 gave a briefing on the measures taken this year with regard to green growth and heard from civil societies on their views.

Various federal agencies reported on the agenda for green growth—a priority issue in all areas for the Mexican presidency of the G20—and listened to the opinions of civil society at a meeting in the Foreign Ministry. Specifically, they gave a briefing on the discussions within the G20 on financing climate change, green jobs and infrastructure, energy efficiency, clean energy and sustainable agricultural productivity.

The meeting was chaired by the Mexican Agency for International Development (AMEXCID) and was attended by representatives from the Ministries of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT); Finance (SHCP); Energy (SENER); Labor and Social Welfare (STPS); and Agriculture (SAGARPA). Representatives from about 35 national and international organizations with offices in Mexico and union officials attended on behalf of civil society.

The civil society organizations expressed their appreciation for the meeting and the information provided, and applauded the fact that green growth was a G20 priority this year, especially the issue of sustainable transportation on the infrastructure agenda. Various other issues were discussed as well, including the importance of green growth to reconcile sustainable development with the current economic model; the elimination of fossil fuel subsidies; innovative sources of financing for development; social issues and the inclusion of civil society in the G20 discussions.

The Mexican government emphasized that the G20 complements and reinforces the climate change talks that take place in the United Nations.

The head of the Directorate General for Civil Society Organizations, Miguel Diaz Reynoso, ended the meeting by thanking the organizations and speakers for attending, saying the Mexican presidency of the G20 is holding meetings of this sort in order to achieve results. He also stressed how important it is for civil society to participate in the discussions on development and green growth in order to enrich the G20 agenda with its experiences and knowledge.