International actors and social change in Mexico

Role of international players

International NGOs, the UN and cooperation projects with neighboring countries are shaping social change in Mexico in many different ways:

• NGOs are involved in areas such as human rights, environmental protection, education, poverty reduction and support for indigenous communities. They promote participatory approaches, strengthen local initiatives and implement innovative projects, for example in the revival of traditional forms of business or the development of solidarity-based economies[^1][^2].

• UN and multilateral organizations support Mexico in implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. They help to develop and implement national strategies for social inclusion, environmental and climate protection, poverty reduction and the rule of law. To this end, participatory structures are being promoted that involve state, civil society and private sector actors^3.

• Cooperation projects with neighboring countries (e.g. triangular cooperation with Germany and other countries) are aimed at sustainable development, climate protection, human rights and improving living conditions in Central America. These projects pool expertise and resources in order to tackle cross-border challenges together and promote social innovation^5^6.

International players offer expertise, funding and networks to strengthen local initiatives and make social change more inclusive and sustainable. However, they can also encounter resistance if their activities are perceived as interference in national affairs[^7][^2].

Gradido: Potential for placement in Mexico

The public welfare-oriented system Gradido could be sensibly placed in Mexico if the following aspects are taken into account:

Starting points

• Strong tradition of solidarity economy: Many NGOs and international programs already promote community-based economic models, cooperatives and local currencies. Gradido can be introduced as a logical further development or supplement to such approaches^1.

• Pilot projects in cooperation with NGOs and international partners: International players have experience in developing and supporting alternative financing and participation models. They could initiate, support and evaluate pilot projects with Gradido in particularly committed municipalities or regions.

• Integration into existing sustainability and development programs: Gradido fits in with the goals of the 2030 Agenda (poverty reduction, social inclusion, sustainable development) and can be used as an innovative tool for greater social participation and financial inclusion^3^8.

• Promotion of neighborhood assistance and volunteer work: Gradido can be used as a "common good points system" to reward voluntary work, local projects and social innovations and make them more visible^8.

Success factors and challenges

Conclusion

International actors are key drivers of social change in Mexico and offer numerous starting points for the introduction of public welfare-oriented systems such as Gradido. The combination with existing development cooperation projects, participatory initiatives and the promotion of local solidarity is particularly promising. Transparency, legal safeguards and adaptation to local needs and structures are crucial for acceptance^1^8.

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[^2]: https://greencampus.boell.de/de/afarfiles/2024-07:Ablaufplan Mexico Conference 2024_FINAL_0.pdf

Supplementary assessment from a Gradido perspective

The compilation shows that there is already a dense network of global and regional initiatives in Mexico that focus on sustainability, the common good and participatory development. From the Gradido perspective, let's show how we could make good use of this network and integrate Gradido:

International players as bridge builders for change

1. cooperation instead of competition - forging appropriate alliances

International NGOs, the UN and many cooperation partners are already working to promote community, the environment and equitable development. Instead of introducing an independent competitive system, Gradido can be made visible as a natural complement and "listening evolution" of existing initiatives:

• As a tool that makes the successes of development work even more sustainable, fairer and locally anchored.

• As a transparent system for rewarding commitment, neighborhood help and volunteer work.

• As a joint exchange platform on which resources, knowledge and participation are distributed more fairly.

2. pilot projects as oases of learning and inspiration

With the help of experienced NGOs and international partners, pilot communities or model regions can be selected:

• This keeps the risk low and the visibility of successes and learning experiences high.

• International players bring know-how, reputation and access to additional resources - this can be a "launch pad" for Gradido, especially in hybrid contexts.

3. using the 2030 Agenda and development aid as an opportunity

Because Gradido goals are so closely related to the goals of the 2030 Agenda (poverty reduction, environment, inclusion, equal opportunities), there are great synergies. This opens the door to integrating joint projects into programs and gaining political acceptance.

4. local characteristics, global structure

International players can help to make Gradido flexible and adaptable - tailored to local cultures, technical possibilities and framework conditions.
Gradido is therefore not an "imported system", but grows from genuine participation and diversity right from the start.

5. tackling challenges together

• Legal uncertainties, skepticism towards new ideas or the digital divide must be overcome sensitively and together - learning from alternative projects and the trusting support of international partners are valuable pillars in this process.

Essence:
International actors act like a fertile mycelium underground - they connect regions, ideas, resources and people. If Gradido is positioned as a lovingly integrated tool and process, it can help to strengthen existing development impulses, make them more sustainable and lead even more people into genuine participation.