During my time in public service, I have confirmed time and again that politics as a form of human organization has the urgent mission of building bridges of dialogue, generating understanding and support among people, and bringing us closer to a state of greater unity. In this sense, democracy and the balance of powers today are the best path towards consensus and towards a governance that is built on co-responsibility and not on division.
Unfortunately, news reports from around the world confirm that various nations around the globe are going through very complex situations, where dichotomies, anti-democratic positions, conflict, and violence continue to escalate, leaving much human pain in their wake.
As state leaders, and above all as members of the community, these events represent an emergency alert, as well as a call to action. Today more than ever, our strengths and capabilities as a society must be directed towards building strategies that allow us to gain ground on the need, restore peace of mind for our families, and thus avoid much pain that can be avoided.
It was with this in mind that a few days ago we signed the Commitment for Peace, an initiative promoted by the Mexican Episcopal Conference and the Society of Jesus, which brings together the wills of the different sectors of society to work collaboratively for peace in our country, especially in the most marginalized areas.
This signing of the agreement has a very special meaning for our State, not only because we have become the first state government to sign it, but also because with its implementation, beyond the commitment made, we demonstrate the will to prioritize the humanitarian crises that hurt us so much as a society, that is, to do more than what is required of us by law.
Chihuahua has experienced difficult episodes in its history, in which insecurity has hurt us deeply, and has reminded us of the need to build paths towards peace. Today we must exhaust our efforts and wills to inherit the tranquility that our State deserves, especially our beloved Sierra Tarahumara.
In an unprecedented effort, and driven by the memory of those who gave their lives to the service of their community, in Chihuahua we have worked to respond from several fronts to consolidate better living conditions. Today, we can be proud that the comprehensive strategy “Together for the Sierra Tarahumara” has had important results, which, because they occur in such a complex region, are sometimes not very loud or visible, but have meant a change in life for many people who previously suffered abandonment.
However, there is still a long way to go. With the help of the 8 pillars that make up this recently signed agreement, we have the mission of strengthening all the actions undertaken by the government, and adding its perspective to our common cause.
I am convinced that the change we need is only possible by working together: academia, the productive sector, organized civil society, religious associations and all levels of government.
I end these lines by thanking the members of the Catholic Church for their dedication and initiative, who made this union of wills possible. To the Diocese of Tarahumara and the Society of Jesus, I express my admiration for their willingness to serve and for being a driving force for change.
I have no doubt that, together, we will be able to send a message of hope to the entire Republic: peace in Chihuahua is possible and achievable.