Understanding the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015 emphasize that the time to act is now, not tomorrow. The Agenda 2030 sets a clear path: transforming our lifestyles and business models to ensure a more just, equitable, and sustainable future.
Current Progress on SDGs
However, nine years later, the situation remains complex. According to the UN’s 2024 SDG Report, only 17% of global targets are on track to be met, while over a third show regression. This insufficient pace cannot address the climate crisis, social inequality, and biodiversity loss.
In Mexico, the picture is similar. The Fourth National Voluntary Report 2024 indicates that Mexico has approximately 70.4% compliance with the Agenda 2030, signifying significant delays in several targets, particularly regarding reducing inequalities, gender equality, and climate action.
Digital Divide in Mexico
Moreover, the digital divide in Mexico poses another challenge. According to ENDUTIH 2024 by INEGI, around 100.2 million people, or 83.1% of the population aged six and above, use the internet in Mexico. Yet, nearly 16.9% of Mexicans still lack access to this essential resource.
The Role of Businesses in Driving Sustainability
Given this reality, businesses cannot remain passive observers. The private sector represents over 60% of Mexico’s GDP and nearly 90% of formal employment, granting us the responsibility to catalyze change. Integrating SDGs into business strategy is not just an ethical imperative; it also strengthens a company’s competitiveness and resilience in an uncertain environment.
The SDGs serve as a guiding principle for our decisions and projects. We acknowledge that telecommunications companies play a crucial role in global challenges, from closing the digital divide to tackling climate change. As a company, we focus on priority objectives directly relevant to the Mexican society: quality education (SDG 4), gender equality (SDG 5), decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), industry and innovation (SDG 9), reducing inequalities (SDG 10), responsible production and consumption (SDG 12), climate action (SDG 13), and strong governance (SDG 16).
Taking Action on Climate Change
Sustainability is not a destination but a journey requiring consistency, innovation, and collaboration. The SDGs should be more than a symbolic reminder; they must serve as a constant call to action.
Our Commitment to Climate Action
We aim to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040. Between 2020 and 2024, we have already reduced our greenhouse gas emissions by 70.3%. The industry’s effort must parallel the promotion of circular economy practices to ensure responsible management of equipment and materials, reducing waste and optimizing resources.
Key Questions and Answers
- What are the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)? The SDGs are a collection of 17 global targets adopted by the United Nations in 2015, aiming to transform lifestyles and business models for a more sustainable future.
- Why is it crucial to act now on SDGs? The current pace of progress on SDGs is insufficient to address pressing global issues like climate change, social inequality, and biodiversity loss.
- What challenges does Mexico face in achieving SDGs? Mexico faces significant delays in several SDG targets, particularly reducing inequalities, promoting gender equality, and taking climate action. Additionally, the digital divide poses a challenge with nearly 17% of Mexicans lacking internet access.
- What role do businesses play in achieving SDGs? Businesses, especially those in the private sector, have a responsibility to integrate SDGs into their strategies. This not only fulfills an ethical obligation but also enhances competitiveness and resilience.
- What is our company’s commitment to climate action? We aim to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040 and have already reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 70.3% between 2020 and 2024. We also promote circular economy practices to minimize waste and optimize resources.
