THE MEXICAN PRESIDENCY OF THE G20 HOLDS DISCUSSIONS WITH CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS, ACADEMICS AND STUDENTS IN BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR

• The meetings were attended by students, teachers and civil society representatives interested in the G20

• Baja California Sur will host the G20 Leaders Summit in June.

The Foreign Ministry’s Undersecretary for Multilateral Affairs and Human Rights, Ambassador Juan Manuel Gomez Robledo, met with civil society organizations (CSOs), academics and students, during a working visit to Baja California Sur on May 28-29.

On Monday, May 28, at the Autonomous University of Baja California Sur, the Undersecretary explained the priorities of the Mexican presidency of the G20. At the meeting, which was attended by students, professors and civil society, the ambassador was accompanied by University Rector Gustavo Rodolfo Chavez Cruz; the Secretary of the International Court of Environmental Arbitration and Conciliation (ICEAC), Dr. Ramon Ojeda-Mestre; and the Agriculture Ministry’s Director General for Legislative Liaison, Salvador Moreno.

During the meeting, Ambassador Gómez Robledo discussed Mexico’s international role and the importance of chairing the G20. He explained the importance of the G20 at the international, national and local levels, due to the impact of the decisions made by the G20. He also highlighted Mexico’s strategy of conducting an expanded dialogue with invited countries, businessmen, youths, unions and civil society. He concluded by saying that, as part of a democracy, the ongoing dialogue is not only meant to report on the G20 process but is also meant to be an exchange of views that enriches the negotiations leading up to the Summit.

Yesterday at the Cultural Pavilion of the Republic, where the SCO meetings will be held during the G20 Summit, Undersecretary Gómez Robledo said that hosting the G20 forum will showcase Mexico’s institutional strength and its role as a global leader.

The priority issues of Mexico’s agenda were discussed, with particular emphasis on finance, sustainable development, jobs, combating climate change and food security.
Present at that meeting were the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Tijuana’s Los Cabos campus, Dr. Tamara Arce Montalvo; the Chancellor of the University of the Gulf of California, Dr. Yolanda Razo Abundis; the Director of the Autonomous University of Baja California Sur, Dr. Lizzeth Aguirre Osuna; and the Municipal Director of Culture, Blanca Azucena Hernandez.

At both meetings, there was an open discussion with those in attendance. The concerns of the local population were addressed, and students and youths participated, as they are one of the key sectors of society that will be affected by the G20 decisions.
 
Baja California Sur will host the G20 Summit on June 18-19, which makes it important for federal agencies to be in contact with state institutions and actors.

The Mexican Presidency of the G20  is committed to hold discussions with all of the actors and sectors of society that seek to make a constructive contribution to the G20 process.