Report | January - March 2023
The Center for Binational Institutions is devoted to promoting a better understanding of the bilateral institutions between Mexico and the United States. Our quarterly report presents the relevant events between US-MEXICO bilateral institutions.
JANUARY
1) 2023 North American Business Leaders’ Summit
January 10, 2023 (LINK)
Mexican Foreign Secretary Marcelo Ebrard led the North American Business Leaders' Summit, together with Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, ahead of the 10th North American Leaders' Summit. The purpose was to enhance cooperation between the governmental and corporate sectors in North America and share viewpoints on intensifying the three-way economic partnership–fostering investment, hastening economic expansion, and reinforcing the stability and durability of the North American economic system.
Institutional Implications:
The North American Business Leaders' Summit highlights the importance of collaboration between North America’s public and private sectors. This collaboration is essential for promoting investment, accelerating economic growth, and strengthening the stability and resilience of the North American economy. The event also emphasizes the need for trilateral economic cooperation, which is crucial for the region’s success.
2) 2023 North American Leadership Summit
January 10, 2023 (LINK)
The North American Leadership Summit, also known as the Three Amigos Summit, was held on January 10, 2023. President Andrés Manuel López Obrador of Mexico, President Joseph R. Biden of the U.S., and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada convened in Mexico City for the 10th North American Leaders' Summit (NALS). The three leaders jointly published a statement titled "Declaration of North America (DNA)." The report affirms the commitment of the three leaders to strengthen the region's security, prosperity, sustainability, and inclusiveness through commitments across six pillars.
These pillars are:
Diversity, equity, and inclusion: The leaders committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in their societies and economies.
Climate change and the environment: The leaders acknowledged the urgent need to address and protect the environment and committed to working together to achieve sustainable and resilient economies.
Competitiveness: The leaders recognized the importance of a competitive North American region and were committed to promoting innovation, trade, investment, and infrastructure development.
Migration and development: The leaders recognized the importance of safe, orderly, and regular migration and committed to working together to address the root causes of migration and promote regional development.
Health: The leaders committed to strengthening the region's health systems and addressing health challenges, including cooperating on pandemic preparedness and response.
Regional security: The leaders committed to working together to ensure a secure and stable region, including through cooperation on defense, law enforcement, and border security.
The leaders hope to create a more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient North America through coordinated action and targeted investment.
Institutional Implications:
The North American Leadership Summit is an institutional mechanism for promoting cooperation and understanding between the leaders of Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. to address shared challenges and opportunities. The summit reinforced the importance of regional cooperation and coordination in addressing issues affecting North America. The commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in society and the economy is particularly significant, as it recognizes the importance of addressing systemic inequalities and promoting social justice.
The summit also has implications for trade and investment in the region. The commitment to promoting competitiveness and innovation suggests a focus on strengthening supply chains and investing in key industries of the future.
3) Declaration on the North American Partnership for Equity and Racial Justice
January 10, 2023 (LINK)
The North American Partnership for Equity and Racial Justice declaration was signed by U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, Mexican Foreign Secretary Marcelo Ebrard, and Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly.
This declaration was made to build on past efforts of the 2021 North American Leaders’ Summit with President López Obrador of Mexico, Prime Minister Trudeau of Canada, and President Biden Jr. of the U.S., commitment to establishing just, inclusive, and equitable democracies that combat systemic racism and discrimination.
The Partnership aims to:
Work within each country to promote equity and justice and remove barriers to equal opportunity for marginalized communities.
Establish a Trilateral Racial Equity and Inclusion Expert Network to share best practices, identify areas for action, and engage communities with lived experiences of racism and discrimination.
Collaborate with regional and multilateral organizations to advance equity and justice through commitments such as the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the International Decade for People of African Descent.
Institutional Implications:
The partnership represents a commitment by the three countries to work together to address systemic racism and discrimination. Establishing a Trilateral Racial Equity and Inclusion Expert Network will facilitate sharing of information, best practices, and innovative strategies to identify further action areas.
Collaborating to advance equity and racial justice through participation in regional and multilateral organizations like the United Nations is also significant, recognizing the importance of working together to address systemic racism and discrimination globally.
4) Mexico and U.S. Sign MOUs on Labor Mobility and Protection of Minors in a Situation of Mobility
January 18, 2023 (LINK 1, LINK 2)
On March 25, 2023, the ambassadors of Mexico to the U.S., Esteban Moctezuma, and of the U.S. to Mexico, Ken Salazar, signed two memoranda of understanding (MOUs) to strengthen labor mobility and protection of unaccompanied minors in a situation of mobility.
The first MOU, signed by the Mexican Foreign Ministry, National Employment Service (SNE), and the U.S. Departments of State and Labor, aims to improve the labor rights of Mexican workers in the U.S. The agreement commits both governments to ensure the ethical recruitment of Mexican nonimmigrant workers with H2 visas, protect their wages and working conditions, and facilitate temporary Mexican agricultural employment by the laws of both countries. It also includes quarterly meetings to monitor and report labor rights violations, provide anti-discrimination training, and protect workers who file complaints.
The second MOU seeks to protect unaccompanied minors who migrate through Mexico and the U.S. by creating bilateral mechanisms between governments. The goal is to prevent children from traveling unregulated through the region and coming into contact with criminal trafficking networks. Additionally, it aims to promote international cooperation with other countries in the region to protect minors.
Institutional Implications:
The signing of the two MOUs demonstrates a commitment by both governments to work together to address migration challenges and find solutions that benefit both countries.
The MOU on Labor Mobility has implications for the institutional frameworks governing labor rights and protections in both countries. By strengthening the labor rights of Mexican workers in the U.S., the MOU could help to reduce the exploitation and abuse of migrant workers, which has been a longstanding issue in the U.S.
The MOU on Unaccompanied Minors in a Situation of Mobility has implications for the institutional frameworks governing child protection and welfare in both countries. By creating bilateral mechanisms to strengthen security for unaccompanied minors, the MOU could help to address the humanitarian crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border, where thousands of children have been detained and separated from their families in recent years.
5) Texas A&M AgriLife Publishes Map of Transboundary Aquifers between Mexico and the U.S.
January 23, 2023 (LINK)
A team of researchers, led by Rosario Sanchez, Ph.D., a senior research scientist at the Texas Water Resources Institute (TWRI) part of Texas A&M AgriLife, has published the first-ever comprehensive map of transboundary aquifers between the United States and Mexico.
The map reveals five shared aquifers between Baja California and California, 26 between Sonora and Arizona, and 33 between Texas and the Mexican states of Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas. Of the 72 aquifers, 45% were in "good to moderate" condition.
The research is particularly important since surface water supplies in the region face mounting pressure from climate change, drought, and population growth. As a result, shared groundwater resources are gaining more attention from legal and governmental bodies. Unfortunately, transboundary groundwater has largely been ignored at the binational level, with few funding opportunities for further research. Consequently, researchers and policymakers have limited knowledge about groundwater supplies along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Institutional Implications:
Firstly, the research highlights the growing importance of shared groundwater resources in the region, particularly as surface water supplies face mounting pressure from climate change, drought, and population growth. As a result, legal and governmental bodies are likely to pay more attention to transboundary groundwater resources.
Secondly, the research exposes the limited knowledge researchers, and policymakers have about groundwater supplies along the U.S.-Mexico border. This lack of knowledge has been exacerbated by the limited funding opportunities for further research. Thus, the study underscores the need for increased funding for research on transboundary aquifers.
Thirdly, evaluating the quantity and quality of water present in the aquifers and collaborating with local and regional stakeholders in developing mutually beneficial approaches to shared groundwater resources are essential next steps. This collaboration will require binational institutional cooperation, which could lead to the development of formal agreements and treaties between the two countries.
6) Mexico and U.S. Reaffirm The Bilateral Security Cooperation Between Mexico and the U.S.
January 26, 2023 (LINK)
Mexico's Foreign Secretary Marcelo Ebrard and the U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ken Salazar reaffirmed their commitment to bilateral security cooperation during a meeting under the Bicentennial Framework for Security, Public Health and Safe Communities. The meeting focused on strengthening coordination measures and ensuring that consular networks in both countries function well. Roberto Velasco, the Mexican Chief Officer for North America, also highlighted the expansion of Mexico's consular network in the U.S. with two new offices in Oklahoma and New Jersey.
Institutional Implications:
The meeting highlights the importance of maintaining strong diplomatic ties between the two countries. The Bicentennial Framework for Security, Public Health, and Safe Communities is a crucial mechanism for promoting cooperation on issues of mutual concern, such as border security, drug trafficking, and public health.
The commitment to strengthening coordination measures and ensuring that consular networks function well is significant given the many Mexican nationals living in the U.S. Expanding Mexico's consular network will help provide better services to Mexican nationals living in those areas.
7) Launch of The Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity
January 27, 2023 (LINK)
The Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity, a joint initiative of the governments of Latin America, the U.S., and the Caribbean, was held on January 27, 2023. The alliance strives to enhance economic progress and the standard of living for people in the Americas. The objectives include creating job opportunities, providing access to education, strengthening supply chains, reducing poverty, promoting the fairer distribution of wealth, and building a brighter future.
Mexico's Foreign Secretary Ebrard reiterated Mexico's dedication to achieving equal distribution of wealth in the area. Secretary of State Blinken highlighted the significance of collaborative efforts in pursuing prospects that benefit the region’s people and working together to address global challenges.
Institutional Implications:
The partnership represents a new level of collaboration and cooperation between these regions, focusing on economic growth and improving the quality of life for their citizens. One of the key institutional implications of this partnership is creating a new framework for economic cooperation and development.
FEBRUARY
8) Mexican and U.S. Representatives discuss the Bicentennial Framework and Regional Economic Integration
February 20, 2023 (LINK)
Mexico's Foreign Secretary, Marcelo Ebrard, met with a group of U.S. senators and representatives to discuss the key priorities of the bilateral agenda. The discussion touched on the progress achieved under the Bicentennial Framework and international cooperation under the Sonora Plan, which promotes cross-border infrastructure and economic development collaboration. In addition, foreign Secretary Ebrard emphasized the upcoming investments in solar energy by American corporations in Mexico, underscoring the potential benefits for both countries. He also highlighted that in 2022, trade between Mexico and the U.S. had reached an unprecedented milestone of 779.3 billion dollars.
The Mexican delegation included the head of the Criminal Investigation Agency, Felipe de Jesús Gallo, and the National Center for Planning, Analysis, and Information to Combat Crime, Edna Patricia Cepeda.
The U.S. delegation included Senator Tom Carper, Senator Maggie Hassan, Rep. Lou Correa, Rep. Dan Kildee, Rep. Don Beyer, Rep. Jerry Carl, and Counselor for Political Affairs Charles Sellers.
Institutional Implications:
The Bicentennial Framework and the Sonora Plan are examples of institutional frameworks established to promote cooperation and collaboration between Mexico and the U.S. as a result of such collaboration.
The focus on arms and fentanyl trafficking as a priority for Mexico's foreign policy highlights the importance of addressing transnational crime and the need for cooperation between law enforcement agencies in both countries. The presence of the Criminal Investigation Agency’s head and the National Center for Planning, Analysis, and Information to Combat Crime in the Mexican delegation underscores the importance of this issue.
9) Mexican Foreign Secretary Marcelo Ebrard and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass Host Meeting
February 27, 2023 (LINK)
Mexican Foreign Secretary Marcelo Ebrard held a meeting with Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass to discuss the positive impact of Mexican citizens on the city's social and economic development. In addition, they chaired a gathering with 50 mayors from 26 Mexican states to discuss California and Mexico’s strong family, cultural, and economic bonds. This meeting was organized as part of the Mexican Foreign Ministry's first-ever envoy to attract foreign investment to various regions of Mexico. The envoy included 17 Mexican state secretaries of economic development and representatives from 40 Mexican companies.
Institutional Implications:
The meeting highlights the importance of diplomacy and communication between the two countries at various governmental levels. In addition, by acknowledging the contributions of Mexicans to the city's society and economy, the meeting promotes a positive image of Mexicans and their role in the U.S.
The meeting with 50 Mexican mayors also has institutional implications as it strengthens the ties between the U.S. and Mexico at a city level. Discussing family, cultural, and economic relations promotes a sense of community and shared interests between the two regions. This can increase cooperation and collaboration in trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.
10) Mexico Intensifies its Efforts to Combat The Exploitation of Child Migrants in the U.S.
February 28, 2023 (LINK)
The Mexican government has announced plans to enhance its consular aid and protection to fight against labor exploitation of child migrants in the U.S. In addition, Mexico has welcomed the initiatives unveiled by the U.S. Department of Labor to combat this issue. For example, the Department of Labor has launched an interagency task force with the Department of Health and Human Services to exchange case data, punish businesses violating employment regulations, create new training programs for unaccompanied migrant children, and increase fines for companies that breach child labor laws.
The Mexican Foreign Ministry's Department for Consular Protection and Strategic Planning has directed the consular network to intensify its aid and protection for children, collaborate with local offices of the U.S Department of Labor to detect potential risks, enhance monitoring of work environments to identify any labor abuses and coordinate with local authorities and organizations.
Mexico and the U.S. have a legal framework for cooperation on labor matters which was renewed on September 2, 2021. Mexico's consular network has signed 63 cooperation agreements with local authorities, including the Wage and Hour Division, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the National Labor Relations Board, and the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission.
Institutional Implications:
Creating an interagency task force by the U.S. Department of Labor to combat child labor violations is also a significant institutional development. This task force will facilitate the exchange of information on cases, penalize companies that violate child employment laws, and develop new training programs for unaccompanied migrant children. These actions will help to prevent child labor violations and protect the rights of vulnerable children in the U.S.
Strengthening the consular network and joint actions with local authorities and organizations by the Mexican government will also have institutional implications for binational relations. In addition, these actions will help identify possible labor violations and protect children at risk of exploitation.
MARCH
11) U.S. and Mexico Issue Joint Statement on the Launch of Phase II of the Bicentennial Framework
March 9, 2023 (LINK)
The U.S. and Mexico have jointly announced the launch of Phase II of the Bicentennial Framework for Security, Public Health, and Safe Communities. The implementation of Phase II follows the North American Leaders' Summit in January, where the leaders of Mexico, Canada, and the U.S. pledged to combat the synthetic opioid epidemic in North America.
At the high-level meeting on March 9, 2023, in Mexico's National Palace, the two delegations agreed to deepen their law enforcement cooperation in combating illicit fentanyl production, trafficking of high-caliber weapons and ammunition, and transnational organized crime. They also pledged to launch a binational public health campaign to reduce drug consumption risks.
Additionally, the U.S. returned approximately $25 million in funds stolen by criminal actors to the Mexican government. This money will be used to further the goals of the Bicentennial Framework. Finally, the leaders of both countries expressed their commitment to disrupting criminal networks affecting both countries, including those responsible for the recent kidnapping of U.S. citizens in Matamoros.
Institutional Implications:
A crucial institutional implication is launching a binational public health campaign to reduce drug consumption risks. This campaign can potentially reduce drug-related harms and increase awareness of the dangers of illicit drugs, which could positively impact public health outcomes in both countries.
The return of approximately $25 million in stolen funds to the Mexican government also has institutional implications. This act demonstrates a commitment to addressing corruption and fighting against criminal actors who seek to profit from illegal activities. It also indicates a willingness to work together to combat criminal networks across both countries.
Finally, the commitment to disrupting criminal networks affecting both countries highlights a shared concern for the safety and security of citizens on both sides of the border. This demonstrates a commitment to working together to combat criminal activity and ensure the safety of citizens in both countries.
12) U.S. Congress Members Meet with Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador
March 13, 2023 (LINK)
On March 13, 2023, Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador met with U.S. legislators and representatives to discuss the fight against international supply chains of fentanyl and other chemical precursors. During the meeting, he emphasized the importance of working in coordination and with respect for the sovereignty of each country to strengthen productive processes and consolidate North America. The Mexican President also reaffirmed the importance of economic integration.
Mexican attendees were Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador; Secretary of Economy, Raquel Buenrostro Sánchez; the Undersecretary of Finance and Public Credit, Gabriel Yorio González; and the Chief Officer for North America of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Roberto Velasco Álvarez.
From the U.S., Ambassador to Mexico Ken Salazar, as well as Democratic congressmen Terri Sewell (Alabama) and Jimmy Panetta (California), and several other public servants including Republican congress members Beth Van Duyne (Texas), Carol Miller (West Virginia), Michelle Fischbach (Minnesota), Mike Carey (Ohio), and Kelly Armstrong (North Dakota), were in attendance.
Institutional Implications:
The attendance of high-level officials from Mexico and the U.S. highlights the importance of this issue for both countries. The Mexican President’s reaffirmation of the importance of economic integration also suggests a commitment to further cooperation and collaboration between the two countries. This could have significant implications for binational institutions like the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
13) Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador Met with U.S. Legislators
March 19, 2023 (LINK)
On March 19, 2023, a bipartisan delegation of American legislators and representatives led by Republican Senator John Cornyn from Texas visited the National Palace in Mexico City to discuss the common challenges facing both countries.
The Mexican President, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, acknowledged the work being done by the Biden administration concerning migration and discussed Mexico's efforts to promote development in Central America and the Caribbean. The Mexican Foreign Secretary, Marcelo Ebrard Casaubon, shared the results of U.S. policies, highlighting the significant decrease in irregular migration from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. The Mexican Secretary of Defense, Luis Cresencio Sandoval González, presented priority projects in the border infrastructure portfolio. Furthermore, the Mexican Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection, Rosa Icela Rodríguez Velázquez, reported on Mexico's efforts to combat fentanyl. Finally, the President emphasized Mexico's commitment to working jointly with the U.S., respecting each country's sovereignty.
Institutional Implications:
The recent high-level meeting between the U.S. delegation and the Mexican president indicates a strong commitment to maintaining a collaborative and cooperative relationship between the two countries. The Mexican president's acknowledgment of President Biden and the U.S. government's efforts to address migration is a positive sign for future bilateral cooperation.
Furthermore, the Mexican government's investments in infrastructure projects along the U.S.-Mexico border are a welcome development for regional security and economic growth. These initiatives demonstrate a shared commitment to strengthening the ties between the two nations and enhancing the well-being of their citizens.
In addition, the Mexican government's dedication to combating the illegal drug trade, particularly regarding fentanyl, underscores its commitment to regional security and cooperation with the U.S. The effectiveness of these efforts is a promising development and highlights the potential for ongoing collaboration on this and other critical security issues in the future.
14) Delegation of U.S. Congress Members at the Mexican Foreign Ministry
March 19, 2023 (LINK)
Mexican Chief Officer for North America Roberto Velasco received a delegation of U.S. congress members at the Foreign Ministry following their meeting with President Andrés Manuel López Obrador at the National Palace. During the meeting, they discussed bilateral cooperation on migration and labor mobility, with the U.S. lawmakers thanking Mexico for their work on these issues. Both sides agreed on the need to open new legal pathways for managing migration flows in an orderly, secure, humane, and regular way. They also highlighted the importance of addressing the situation of millions of undocumented immigrants who have contributed to U.S. society for decades without a solution to their migration status. The Mexican delegation included officials from the National Institute of Migration, while the U.S. delegation was composed of bipartisan senators, representatives, and embassy officials.
Institutional Implications:
Both sides demonstrated a shared commitment to addressing these issues and finding solutions that benefit both countries by discussing bilateral cooperation on migration and labor mobility. This type of collaboration is crucial to maintaining a positive and productive relationship between the U.S. and Mexico.
The fact that officials from the National Institute of Migration were included in the Mexican delegation suggests a high level of coordination and cooperation between different branches of the Mexican government on migration-related issues. This is an encouraging sign, indicating a holistic approach to addressing this complex issue.
The presence of bipartisan senators, representatives, and embassy officials from the U.S. also underscores the importance of these issues for the U.S. government and its constituents. They expressed gratitude to Mexico for its work on migration and labor mobility, demonstrating a willingness to acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of their Mexican counterparts.
15) U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate Travels to Mexico
March 22, 2023 (LINK )
Presidential Climate Envoy John Kerry, embarked on his seventh trip to Mexico from March 20-22, 2023, where he met with President Andrés Manuel López Obrador and his cabinet. The discussions focused on addressing the climate crisis and transitioning to clean energy together. The parties engaged in extensive dialogue on the prospects of solar and wind energy projects and the steps needed to reduce emissions. Follow-up meetings were planned with both countries eager to take this partnership further.
Furthermore, the private sector's role was acknowledged as crucial in facilitating this transition. Both parties agreed that private sector investments and technological advancements are essential in providing both nations with affordable and reliable clean energy. During the discussions, both parties emphasized the urgent need to address the climate crisis. They also referred to the recent report by the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which underscored the inadequacy of the world's efforts to tackle the climate crisis. Finally, the U.S. has committed to consolidating its leadership in the fight against climate change and renewable energy. By advancing this climate change agenda, both countries have the potential to effectuate better-paying jobs, investments, and a more optimistic future.
Institutional Implications:
The discussions focused on addressing the climate crisis and transitioning to clean energy together, highlighting the importance of collaboration between the two countries. The parties acknowledged the crucial role of the private sector in facilitating this transition, emphasizing the need for private sector investments and technological advancements to provide both nations with affordable and reliable clean energy.
The urgency of addressing the climate crisis was emphasized, with both parties referring to the recent report by the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The U.S. has committed to consolidating its leadership in the fight against climate change and renewable energy, which has the potential to effectuate better-paying jobs, investments, and a more optimistic future.
16) The CBI and Texas A&M University School of Law Partner to Host a Panel on Energy Infrastructure in the North American Region
March 23, 2023 (LINK)
The Center for Binational Institutions (CBI) and Texas A&M University School of Law (TAMU Law) recently partnered to host a panel on Energy Infrastructure in the North American Region during TAMU Law’s 12th Annual Energy Law Symposium. The panelists shed light on pressing issues regarding energy infrastructure in the region, offering potential solutions and opportunities. Guillermo García Sánchez, the CBI Non-resident Fellow, and Professor at TAMU Law, moderated the panel. The panelists included James Coleman from SMU Dedman School of Law, Julia González Romero from the Mexico Council of Foreign Affairs, Jennifer Pierce from TransCanada Energy Mexico, and Pablo Zárate from FTI Consulting.
Panelists emphasized the pressing need to expand transmission lines in the region and fortify the energy grid in Mexico to ensure an uninterrupted power supply. They also addressed the gap in energy access between North and South Mexico. Despite challenges, they contend that there are investment opportunities in Mexico's energy industry. The panel stressed the importance of cross-border collaboration and investment in energy infrastructure to support a more reliable and efficient energy system. NearShoring was also highlighted as a trend to enhance national security. Finally, a joint institutional mechanism focusing on energy was suggested to strengthen the energy relationship between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.
Institutional Implications:
The panel on Energy Infrastructure in the North American Region emphasized the need for cross-border collaboration and investment in energy infrastructure to support a more reliable and efficient energy system. The panelists expressed optimism toward investment in Mexico despite the energy industry’s challenges.
Additionally, the panel stressed the importance of NearShoring and suggested that a joint institutional mechanism focusing on energy could further strengthen the energy relationship between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
17) U.S.-Mexico Synthetic Drug Conference
March 29, 2023 (LINK)
The U.S. Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, gave a speech at the U.S.-Mexico Synthetic Drug Conference, which was held to discuss the challenges of illicit synthetic drugs. The conference was attended by public health experts, doctors, business leaders, and law enforcement officials from both countries, who discussed the shared responsibility of tackling this transnational challenge.
Blinken stated that Fentanyl, a synthetic drug, is the leading cause of death among people between 18 and 49 years old in the U.S. The U.S. and Mexican governments are working together to disrupt illicit supply chains and curb the production and distribution of legal chemicals used to make drugs and improve early warning systems to track emerging drugs before they spread through communities.
In addition, the U.S. has committed over $24 billion to strengthen public health interventions and expand access to treatment, prevention, and recovery tools. Finally, the event highlighted the importance of international cooperation in addressing this crisis, and the U.S. and Canada committed to building a new global coalition against synthetic drugs.
Institutional Implications:
Acknowledging the devastating impact of synthetic drugs on individuals and communities has institutional implications implies that both countries must prioritize the issue and allocate resources to address it. This could involve establishing joint task forces, sharing intelligence, and collaboration between law enforcement agencies.
The conference's aim to develop strategies to address the issue of synthetic drug production and trafficking and strengthen the partnership between the U.S. and Mexico implies that both countries must work together to develop a comprehensive approach to tackling the problem.
