In this episode, we talked with Secretary Barcena about the United Nations, its role as it marks its 80th anniversary, and the growing questions surrounding multilateralism. Dr. Bárcena shared that “the erosion of confidence in multilateralism is rooted in unmet expectations, rising inequalities, and the powerlessness of global institutions,” and emphasized that while “we need the UN,” there is also a need to restructure key areas and improve how it operates to make it more effective. She also shared her views on the Escazú Agreement and the connections between the erosion of democracy, social inequality, and environmental breakdown.
On the topic of climate change, Dr. Bárcena stated that we need to take stock of what has been done so far to implement the Paris Agreement and highlighted the importance of not only complying with existing agreements but also setting more ambitious goals. She mentioned that Mexico is working on its NDC (Nationally Determined Contribution), which will include a more ambitious climate agenda focused on energy transition, emission reduction, biodiversity conservation, and nature-based solutions. She reflected that “sustainability is not only a technical challenge, it’s a moral imperative,” and stressed that “climate change is not just a scientific or economic problem; it’s a moral and ethical crisis.” She described the Earth Charter as not only a social compact but also a compact for sustainable development.
“At the end of the day, climate change is not just a scientific or an economic problem, it’s a moral and ethical crisis. I think it’s a civilizatory crisis.”
— Alicia Bárcena
Questions addressed in this episode:
- This year marks 80 years since the end of World War II and the founding of the United Nations, this is happening in the midst of a growing distrust in multilateralism and many questioning the UN and its role. What are your thoughts on this and on the important role the UN has to play in responding to today’s interconnected global challenges?
2. How do you see the interconnections between democracy, social justice, and sustainability, three elements that are shaky and also under questioning, especially in Latin America?
3. What should be the priorities leading up to COP30 and how do you see Mexico’s role in this?
4. In the context of COP30, the Brazilian government is calling for a “Global Ethical Stocktake” (GES)—a proposal that seeks to embed ethics and broader societal voices into climate decision-making – what are your thoughts on this? And what opportunities do you see in reframing climate action through an ethical lens, and how might Mexico engage or support this initiative?
6. Can you comment on the Escazú Agreement?
7. What are your thoughts on the Earth Charter and the role you think it can play in this critical moment?
About Dr. Alicia Bárcena
Dr. Alicia Bárcena currently serves as the Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources of Mexico. She previously served as Secretary of Foreign Affairs of Mexico (June 2023–September 2024), and as Mexico’s ambassador to Chile. From 2008 to 2022, she led the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) as Executive Secretary. She has held several high-ranking positions at the United Nations, including Under-Secretary-General for Administration and Management under Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Deputy Chief of Staff to Secretary-General Kofi Annan. A biologist and academic, she has long championed sustainability, climate justice, and ethical governance.
