Private and public sector representatives from Spain and Mexico gathered Monday for the fifth edition of the Hispamex Forum, calling for climate-focused business models to reduce environmental impacts and boost competitiveness. With more than EU€70 billion (US$81.6 billion) in Spanish investment in Mexico and EU€33 billion (US$38.5 billion) in Mexican investment in Spain, the forum aimed to foster strategic cooperation on joint sustainable business initiatives.
During the opening session, María Peña Mateos, Economic and Commercial Counselor at the Spanish Embassy in Mexico, warned that sustainability has been “pushed out of the center of the narrative” due to growing national protectionism, diverting attention from environmental and social inclusion priorities. She cautioned that such trends could undermine competitiveness in markets where consumers increasingly value environmental responsibility.
Marking the tenth anniversary of the Paris Agreement, participants highlighted the need to strengthen circular economy practices and efficient resource management to meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). According to Ismael Ortiz Fernández from Mexico’s Global Economic Intelligence Unit, Mexico has achieved 70% of its SDG targets, while Spain has reached 81%. Globally, progress stands at just 17%.
Ramón Jáuregui, president, Euroamérica Foundation, criticized the short-term focus on profitability over sustainability, noting that social and labor progress lags behind environmental initiatives. “Society is demanding environmental responsibility, but social aspects such as labor negotiations or inclusion have not advanced equally,” he said. He added that fiscal incentives and public policy support are essential to drive sustainability.
Mexican companies at the forum emphasized the need for public policies supporting infrastructure adaptation to climate risks, including improved water treatment and reuse systems to address water stress and hurricane impacts. They also stressed tailoring climate strategies to regional contexts while adhering to stringent international standards.