The National Development Plan was presented recently. It was drawn up by the current administration and lays out the great goals to be pursued by Mexicans — society and government alike — in the coming years:

1. Presentation.
With the National Development pan, we seek to build bridges that lead to a shared future. On July 2, 2000, the will of Mexican men and women expressed at the polls determined that the nation had opted for change We wish to live in peace and to have economic and personal security. We want a better future for our children: that they receive the education and elements they need in order to live with dignity. We want to have the opportunity to build up our assets and give our families a better standard of living.

The dream of Mexicans is one of hope, optimism and excellence, peace, security, a constitutional State, liberty, unity, and opportunities for all. The National Development pan responds to all of these desires.

The National Development pan reflects the irrevocable purpose of giving shape to a modern democracy in which decisions are made with the collective participation of everyone. The essence of the pan is that Mexico meet the challenges that arise in the different transitions of the political, demographic, economic, and social spheres, bearing in mind at all times that success is not the product of luck or chance but is the result of establishing clear objectives and the proper and timely application of well-defined strategies for building a new Mexico: one that is competitive and with global vision; with environmental awareness and opportunities for all; with freedom and democracy; and with education and values. We Mexicans have adjusted our watches to the new times. The work has begun.

2. Mexico: speeding toward an accelerated takeoff.
While all the worldâs countries face the challenges of globalization and technological change, few have found themselves as immersed in the processes of simultaneous change as deep and diverse as Mexico.

A period of 25 years has been defined as a space of time for national development to crystallize — a fact of which Mexicans are proud. This vision of the future denotes the primary characteristics of the nation we wish to build. This is an endeavor that transcends this government and affirms our long-term commitment to Mexican society.

The vision of the Mexico that we aspire to for the year 2025 can be summed up as follows: a nation that is fully democratic; with a high quality of life; that has managed to reduce extreme social imbalances; and, that offers its people opportunities for comprehensive human development and coexistence based on respect for the legality and the true exercise of human rights. It will be a dynamic nation, with leadership within the world environment, with steady and competitive growth, with inclusive development, and, in balance with the environment. It will be a nation of pride stemming from its roots, multiethnic and multicultural, and with a profound sense of national unity.