The fundamental role of trade unions in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in Mexico

For the first time in history, Mexican trade unions are actively participating in national reports and key committees, demonstrating a solid commitment to sustainable development and inclusion.

By Alberto Jaramillo, National Union of Workers (UTN), Mexico

In a historic move, the Executive Secretariat of the National Council for the 2030 Agenda in Mexico has called on various trade union sectors in the country to participate in drafting the trade union report that will be part of Mexico’s voluntary national report to be presented at the High-Level Forum in July of this year. For the first time formally, the importance of the trade union sector is recognized for contributing from its vision and fieldwork to the fulfillment of the 2030 Agenda.

This initiative demonstrates a significant shift in how the Mexican government recognizes and values the contribution of the trade union movement to sustainable development. Through this report, projects driven by the national trade unionism that are aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to be reported this year will be included. Additionally, the trade union sector’s vision of its specific participation in achieving the objectives of the 2030 Agenda will be highlighted.

Another important milestone is the public call made by the Mexican government this year for civil society organizations, non-governmental organizations, academia, and trade associations to participate in the renewal process of four Committees of the National Council for the 2030 Agenda in key areas such as Welfare, Economy, Environment, and Planning and Strategies. For the first time, an opportunity is open for members of the trade union sector to be part of this important process, representing a significant advancement in the inclusion of trade union voices in decision-making on sustainable development in Mexico.

The National Union of Workers (UNT) has responded to this call with enthusiasm, registering to take a place in the National Council for the 2030 Agenda and contribute with its proposals and work visions to the achievement of the SDGs. This active participation of unionism in decision-making processes is fundamental to ensure that development policies and programs are inclusive and respond to the needs of the working class.

Furthermore, the relationship between the UNT and the resident coordinator in Mexico has been characterized by frankness and openness. In meetings with Mr. Peter Grohman, a sensitive understanding of the concerns and aspirations of the Mexican trade union movement regarding participation in projects driven by the UN and the ILO for the growth and development of the working class has been demonstrated. The total support of the resident coordinator is a clear indication of the recognition of the importance of unionism in achieving the sustainable development goals in Mexico.

These advances represent a great step forward in recognizing the fundamental role of trade unions in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in Mexico. If we continue on this path, we will be heading in the right direction to significantly contribute from the trade union sector to the fulfillment of the SDGs defined in the 2030 Agenda.