THE MEXICAN PRESIDENCY OF THE G20 HOLDS A MEETING WITH CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS

• More than 30 members of civil society organizations presented their positions and views to the Mexican Presidency of the G20.

• The preparations for the Leaders’ Summit were characterized by their openness and a willingness to hold discussions with civil society organizations. 

• The Mexican government was thanked for its decision to protect the ​​Cabo Pulmo area.

In the Fiesta Americana Grand Hotel this morning, members of networks and coalitions of civil society organizations (CSOs) presented to representatives of the Mexican Presidency of the G20 their recommendations regarding the G20 Leaders’ Summit.

The Mexican presidency was represented by Foreign Secretary Patricia Espinosa; Economy Secretary Bruno Ferrari Garcia de Alba; and Agriculture Secretary Francisco Javier Mayorga Castañeda. CSO participants included members from national and international organizations.

Also participating for the first time in these discussions was a representative from the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, making it possible for the voices of millions of indigenous people around the world to reach the G20 leaders.

The UN representative thanked Mexico for supporting indigenous causes in international forums and stressed the importance of recognizing the right to self-determination, the right to development with identity and participation based on free, prior and informed consent according to international human rights standards.
This meeting continues the intense and productive process of sharing information and holding discussions between the negotiators and the Mexican Presidency of the G20 with CSOs in the lead-up to the Los Cabos Leaders’ Summit.

The CSOs helped enrich the G20’s development agenda, whose priorities this year included food security, financing of infrastructure projects and inclusive, green growth and which emphasized the need to strengthen communities at risk of food insecurity through poor nutrition.

The CSOs also thanked the Mexican government for its decision to revoke its authorization for the Cabo Cortés project, thereby safeguarding the protected area of ​​Cabo Pulmo, Baja California Sur.

Regarding financial inclusion, the need for national strategies based on the needs of the clients that involve marginalized populations and ensure coverage for all citizens was stressed. The need for inclusive green growth that leads to the creation of green jobs while respecting the cultural and biological diversity of each individual was also emphasized.

In her speech, Foreign Secretary Patricia Espinosa thanked the CSOs for the efforts made by the various sectors of civil society interested in the issues on the G20 agenda and for their willingness to engage in a transparent, open and respectful dialogue.

The CSOs are part of a dialogue between the Mexican Presidency of the G20 and other actors as well, such as the private sector, youths and academics. The aim of the discussion is to address the demands of all of the key sectors that seek to make constructive proposals as part of the G20 process.
 
Mexico committed to listening to all of the national and international civil organizations with constructive and innovative positions, and understands the dialogue as an opportunity to acknowledge differing views which, although they do not coincide, reflect the positions of important stakeholders.

The CSOs thanked Mexico for the inclusive and open atmosphere that has characterized the Mexican presidency of the G20 and they asked that this process be continued and strengthened during future G20 presidencies.