1.    What is Sustainable Development?

Sustainable development is a pattern of resource use that aims to meet human needs while preserving the natural environment so that these needs can be met not only in the present, but also in the future.

Sustainable development can be conceptually broken down into three pillars: environmental sustainability, economic sustainability and social sustainability.

2.    What is FCO, Defra, SDD and SPF?

FCO: Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Defra: Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
SDD: Sustainable Development Dialogue
SPF: Strategic Programme Fund

3.    What is the Sustainable Development Dialogue?

The Sustainable Development Dialogue (SDD) is an instrument that was designed by Defra in the UK to contribute to the achievement of global prosperity, without affecting future generations.

4. What is the benefit participating countries get from the SDD?

The countries that participate in the SDD have the opportunity to exchange lessons and experiences with the UK and the other four countries of the G5 (China, India, Brazil, South Africa and Mexico). At the same time, countries can implement sustainable development projects, and then share the lessons learned.

5. Why does the UK work with those countries?

The countries of the G5 are those with the largest economic growth rates in the world. Because of their expected impact on the world economically, socially, demographically, and politically, the decisions they make today will have a great environmental impact in the future.  

6. What benefit does the UK get?

The UK wants to engage leading emerging nations in a proactive partnership for Sustainable Development. The UK recognises that in an interdependent world, the fate of nations is intertwined, and that the global challenges need a more conscious effort at mutual understanding and problem-solving.

7. How does Mexico benefit?

Mexico has the opportunity to exchange experiences with the UK and the other G5 countries. Additionally, Mexico can have access to financial resources from Defra to deliver projects that promote a sustainable development.

8. Which are the priority themes for the Dialogue in Mexico?

The UK agreed with Mexico to focus their efforts of the first year in six areas:

1.    National governance for the sustainable development
2.    Climate change and energy
3.    Sustainable tourism
4.    Sustainable consumption and production
5.    Sustainable urban development or sustainable cities
6.   Sustainable management of natural resources.

9. Why were these priorities chosen for the Dialogue with Mexico?

These priorities were agreed bilaterally between Mexico and the UK in a process that included actors from various sectors: public, private and NGO’s. Opportunities were identified through this process for the innovative exchange of experiences between Mexico and the UK.

10. Where does the idea of a Dialogue come from?

The UK Department of Environment (Defra) designed this mechanism to support the achievement of the international sustainable development goals.

11. Can people participate in the Dialogue?

Yes, people can participate through a project bidding proposal, which must be sent in the format found on our web page (soon you will fin this format).

12. What resources does the UK provide to Mexico?

Defra offers its experience and networks in the sector. It can also provide financial resources to support the project proposals presented to the British Embassy in Mexico City.

13. Is there a limit in the economic amount requested?

No, but all the amounts requested must be fully justified with relevant activities for the achievement of the project. Notice that the approval of resources of Defra is adjusted to the availability of them disposed to the Dialogues of the G5 group.

14. Can funds be requested to pay for infrastructure or equipment?

No, this type of expenses can not be a central part of the project.

15. Can project proposals be sent at any time to the Embassy?

If your project is requesting an amount under £50,000, it can be sent at any time to the British Embassy in Mexico City. If it is a project above this amount, it needs to be sent when there is a call for proposals notification, which is usually four times a year.

16. Which are the deadlines to apply for funding above £50,000?

There is usually a call for applications once every four months, although these are subject to the available budget in the fund for the 5 countries participating in the Dialogue.

17. How do I fill in the format?

The format must be filled in English following the instructions set in the guidelines available on our web page (soon you will find the guidelines).

18. Which of the two formats should I use?

If your project is a visit, an exchange of experts or a participation in an international event, you must use the “short” format. If it is a different kind of project, please fill in the “long” format to apply.

19. How can I get more information

For further information about the Sustainable Development Dialogue programme, please contact the British Embassy in Mexico.

Call (55) 5242-8533 or send an email to Antonieta Castro: antonieta.castro@fco.gov.uk or Jéssica Román: jessica.roman@fco.gov.uk