Introduction
At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Mark Carney, Governor of the Bank of Canada and former Governor of the Bank of England, delivered a stark message about the state of global affairs. The traditional notions that trade would make us good, globalization would render us reasonable, and major powers would play by the rules have been shattered. Carney declared that we are now in an unregulated, winner-takes-all geopolitical game where economic integration is used as a threat rather than a bridge.
The Shifting Global Landscape
Carney’s speech acknowledged the shift from a cooperative international system to a battleground where economic integration serves as a weapon. Tariffs, sanctions, and supply chains held hostage are the new reality. However, Carney’s message wasn’t entirely pessimistic. He suggested that middle powers still have the capacity to build a new order that integrates human rights, sustainable development, state sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
Carney’s Metaphor
In a humorous yet serious tone, Carney warned that non-participants will be left behind. There’s no neutral ground anymore; the world is now a formal banquet with invitations. This leaves Mexico in a puzzling position, seemingly neither at the table nor on the menu.
Mexico’s Presence at Davos
Marcelo Ebrard, Mexico’s Secretary of Foreign Affairs, should have been in Davos to navigate this new global reality. His expertise in pragmatism, interlocution, and global trend analysis would have been invaluable. Instead, Mexico was represented by Alicia Barcena Ibarra, Secretary of the Environment and Sustainable Development (SEMARNAT), who discussed Mexico’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental protection.
Mexico’s Sustainable Development Strategy
Barcena Ibarra outlined Mexico’s strategy, focusing on environmental restoration, nature-based solutions, gradual decarbonization, and proper waste management. The goals include ending deforestation, reducing plastic pollution, and transitioning from a linear to a circular economy. The circular economy model, where resources are reused and waste is minimized, is a promising concept. However, Mexico has long practiced an informal ‘throw-away’ economy, necessitating urgent change in our relationship with waste.
Key Questions and Answers
- What did Mark Carney say at Davos? Carney warned that the global order has broken, turning the international system into a lawless geopolitical arena where economic integration is wielded as a threat.
- Why was Mexico’s presence at Davos significant? Marcelo Ebrard, with his expertise in global affairs, should have represented Mexico. His absence left Alicia Barcena Ibarra to discuss sustainable development, highlighting Mexico’s commitment to environmental protection and the need for a circular economy.
- What is Mexico’s approach to sustainable development? Mexico aims for environmental restoration, nature-based solutions, gradual decarbonization, and proper waste management. The country seeks to transition from a linear economy—where resources are extracted, used, and discarded—to a circular economy that minimizes waste and maximizes resource efficiency.
