"Meeting with the Ciudad Juarez Ecosystem"

Wednesday, August 16. Ciudad Juarez became the epicenter of a significant event that promises to shape its economic future. The "Meeting with the Ciudad Juarez Ecosystem" held at the Technology Hub facilities was not just a gathering but a milestone that signifies the city's dedication to sustainable development and enhanced collaboration among its diverse economic stakeholders.

Coordinated by the Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE), a global network comprising more than 230 members across 150 countries, this event underscored a shared mission: to provide financial, educational, and entrepreneurial support to Small and Growing Enterprises (SGEs). Recognizing the vital role of SGEs in job creation, economic growth, and positive environmental and social impacts, ANDE brought together an array of actors committed to the prosperity of Ciudad Juarez.[caption id="attachment_2383" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]

Red ANDE | CORTESÍA: FRENTE NORTE[/caption]A highlight of the event was the unveiling of the Sustainable Cities Index 2023, conducted by the Social Promotion division of the Citibanamex group. This index, developed through collaboration between the National Public Policy Laboratory (LNPP) of the Center for Economic Research and Teaching (CIDE), the Mexican Institute for Competitiveness (IMCO), and the Mario Molina Center (CMM), amalgamates data from 92 environmental, social, and economic indicators. Its aim is to evaluate the progress of metropolitan areas in Mexico, providing a comprehensive view of sustainable development progress and challenges.Since its inception in 2018, the index has served as a crucial tool for governments, businesses, and citizens alike. It allows them to identify areas of focus and improvement in their journey towards sustainability. For Ciudad Juarez, the results were especially pertinent.

The Sustainable Cities Index 2023 shed light on Ciudad Juarez's commendable progress, particularly in aspects aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Notable improvements were observed in SDG 3, which focuses on health and well-being, SDG 9, addressing industry, innovation, and infrastructure, and SDG 12, related to responsible production and consumption.

These achievements underscore the city's commitment to addressing fundamental issues on the path to sustainability. They also reflect the dedication of the local ecosystem, including businesses, organizations, and individuals, towards building a more prosperous and equitable community.[caption id="attachment_2385" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]

Presentación de Índice | CORTESÍA: FRENTE NORTE[/caption]However, the index also laid bare some pressing challenges. Specifically, in areas such as SDG 13, which deals with climate action, and SDG 15, which focuses on terrestrial ecosystem life, Ciudad Juarez has room for improvement. These challenges are not setbacks but rather opportunities for the city to continue growing responsibly and sustainably. They call for innovative solutions and collaborative efforts to protect the environment and ensure the well-being of its citizens.Following the presentation of the index results, the event featured interactive working tables. In these sessions, attendees formed teams, engaged in spirited idea exchange, and collaborated to develop strategies that would enrich the city's entrepreneurship ecosystem. The guiding questions for these teams were simple yet profound: What problem would the proposed solution solve? Which organizations or actors would be involved? What resources would be required to execute these solutions?[caption id="attachment_2388" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]

Mesa de Trabajo | CORTESÍA: FRENTE NORTE[/caption]These sessions facilitated the emergence of diverse, informed perspectives aimed at enhancing Ciudad Juarez's social and technological entrepreneurship ecosystem. They showcased the power of collective brainstorming and collaboration to drive innovation and sustainable growth.As Ferter, we are proud witnesses to the creation of these valuable spaces for dialogue and the exchange of ideas. During the event, we couldn't help but notice the incredible level of interest and enthusiasm radiating from the change agents present in our community. Their willingness and eagerness to actively contribute to the constant search for improvements for our city were palpable.This meeting serves as a resounding reaffirmation of the importance of uniting efforts towards a sustainable future. The collective will and action that we witness today in Ciudad Juarez demonstrate that building a prosperous community in all aspects is not just a possibility but an imminent reality.