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Mexico is a signatory to international agreements and protocols on climate change, biodiversity, water, air, chemicals, waste and sustainable development. Mexico is committed to reducing greenhouse gases by 30% by 2020; and by up to 50% by 2030.
developed and developing countries and to strengthen national capacities in the transition to greener and more inclusive growth. The welfare of humanity and the functioning of the economy and society depend on the responsible management of natural resources. Recognizing that the ecosystem and natural resources of the earth are limited will safeguard humanity from crossing ecological thresholds that could undermine or even reverse developmental gains. The international community must unite to make better use of our natural wealth, increase its value and ensure a better quality of life for our children. Since 1972, when UNEP was set up, the international community has made progress. Many international agreements have been adopted to address the different facets of the challenges to the environment. However, more efficient environmental governance, and the mobilization of adequate financial and technical resources to promote the development and transfer of clean technologies and capacity-building, is still required.
Mexico celebrates the first session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA). In this forum we have a unique opportunity to take decisions to achieve higher levels of welfare and development opportunities for our people. Without any doubt, UNEA, which has now taken on a universal character, is the ideal political and strategic vehicle for strengthening the environmental dimension of sustainable development. We also reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that UNEP is strengthened and exercises the leadership role it deserves through scientific analysis, cooperation, dialogue and practical solutions to address the environmental challenges of the 21st century. At UNEA, the ministers of the environment have the opportunity to send a clear political message to the international community on, among others, the Post-2015 Development Agenda, Sustainable Development Goals and attention to global climate change. While it is true that we have worked as states, regions and the international community for the benefit of the environment, our experience should be used to ensure that the environmental dimension of sustainable development receives the space it deserves in this new platform.
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