Environmental Leaders from Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. Unite in Mexico City to Advance Regional Sustainability
MEXICO CITY, Mexico – Environmental ministers from Canada, Mexico, and the United States convened this week in Mexico City for the 32nd Annual Council Session and Joint Public Advisory Committee (JPAC) Public Forum of the Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC). Held under the theme “Nexus Between Circular Economy and Nature-based Solutions in North America,” the two-day event reaffirmed the countries’ commitment to trilateral cooperation on urgent environmental priorities.
High-Level Participation and Inclusive Dialogue
The Council session welcomed key leaders including:
- Alicia Bárcena, Secretary of Mexico’s Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat)
- Michael Bonser, Associate Assistant Deputy Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Canada
- Lee Zeldin, Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
They were joined by Indigenous leaders, environmental experts, business stakeholders, youth representatives, and members of civil society—highlighting the inclusive and collaborative spirit of the CEC.
Key Commitments and Actions from the CEC Council
During the session, the CEC Council outlined several critical initiatives and strategic priorities:
- WaterWISE Project: Launch of a trilateral project titled “Integrated Water/Wastewater Integrated Solutions for Effectiveness,” aimed at developing decentralized wastewater treatment systems that meet regional quality standards.
- NAPECA 8th Cycle: Introduction of the next phase of the North American Partnership for Environmental Community Action under the theme “Community-based Circular Economy Strategies to Improve Local Well-being and the Environment,” focused on grassroots conservation and recycling efforts.
- Environmental Cooperation Agreement Review: A comprehensive five-year review to improve the effectiveness of the agreement and ensure it meets evolving regional needs.
- Strengthening the SEM Process: Continued commitment to the Submission of Enforcement Matters (SEM) process to uphold transparency, impartiality, and accountability.
- 2026–2030 Strategic Plan: Development of a new roadmap to modernize regional cooperation and deliver measurable environmental and community benefits.
- Enhanced Data Systems: Strengthening of regional environmental information systems and joint monitoring platforms to support the collection of open, reliable, and comparable environmental data.
- Broadening Participation: Facilitating deeper engagement of Indigenous Peoples, civil society, academia, youth, and private sector actors in CEC initiatives.
- Shared Environmental Awareness: Promoting education and awareness around shared regional environmental challenges and collaborative solutions.
- Capacity Building: Expanding institutional and community capacity to support sustainable development across North America.
JPAC Public Forum: Circular Economy Meets Nature-Based Solutions
Parallel to the Council meeting, the JPAC Public Forum welcomed open dialogue between government officials and the public. Centered on the theme “Building Sustainable Economies: Circular Models and Nature-based Solutions for a Resilient North America,” the forum explored innovative strategies for ecosystem restoration, waste reduction, and community resilience.
The sessions underscored the growing synergy between circular economy models and nature-based solutions in addressing the climate crisis and supporting vulnerable populations.
A Legacy of Trilateral Environmental Cooperation
The event also reflected on the CEC’s evolving role over the past three decades as a cornerstone of North American environmental collaboration. It remains a trusted platform rooted in transparency, public participation, and mutual respect, continuously adapting to meet the region’s most pressing environmental challenges.