Tijuana’s municipal government says it has expanded its cross-border cooperation with the United States through meetings with California authorities, regional organizations and international institutions, as well as participation in binational projects involving economic, social, cultural and infrastructure issues.
During the past two years, the administration of Mayor Ismael Burgueño Ruiz reports taking part in 115 strategic binational events held in Tijuana, San Diego, Sacramento and Mexico City.
The activities included fairs, exhibitions, workshops and special projects involving organizations and institutions from across the Cali-Baja region.
Working With San Diego and California
The municipality has held meetings with authorities and organizations on both sides of the border, including the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG), the Smart Border Coalition and the County of San Diego.
Through Tijuana’s Economic Development Secretariat, the city says it also organized 12 strategic working sessions involving border authorities, international organizations, consular representatives and local governments.
The administration also participated in the Baja FAM Trip, where Burgueño met with California officials as part of efforts to strengthen ties between the two regions.
Cooperation Beyond the Border
Tijuana’s international outreach has also included cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Burgueño signed a collaboration agreement with the UNDP focused on strengthening the capabilities of public servants and incorporating human rights, social inclusion and a gender perspective into public policies, in line with the UN’s 2030 Agenda.
The mayor later met with Silvia Morimoto, the UNDP representative in Mexico, to discuss continued cooperation on sustainable development and community well-being.
Tijuana and Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, were also selected to participate before the United Nations Committee of Experts on Public Administration.
The city additionally took part in the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development at the United Nations headquarters in New York as part of the Mexican delegation. There, the municipality presented progress related to the 2030 Agenda and sustainable and inclusive development.
Cultural Programs Connect Tijuana and San Diego
Cross-border cooperation has also extended into the cultural and educational fields.
The municipal government launched “Arte traspasando fronteras,” a program that gives elementary, middle and higher education students from Tijuana the opportunity to participate in binational artistic activities, including visits to the San Diego Museum of Art.
The city says the program is intended to expand students’ artistic experiences while supporting their academic, creative and social development.
Assistance for Visitors
The municipality has also relaunched its “Emergency Button,” a technological service that can provide assistance in English and route requests for help to Mexico’s 911 and 078 emergency and assistance numbers.
According to the city government, the tool is part of its efforts to improve assistance and security for foreign visitors.
The administration says these initiatives, together with its work with U.S. authorities, international organizations and regional institutions, are intended to strengthen Tijuana’s role within the Cali-Baja region and maintain channels for cross-border cooperation.
