México y el cuidado de la casa común

In this article, Carlos Zarco reflects on the relationship between government and civil society in the area of Mexican foreign policy based on his experience with one civil society organization: Oxfam. The article begins with a conceptual reflection on the term civil society and he subsequently provides an analysis of its relationship with Mexican Government, beginning by looking at the work focus areas that are essential for the tasks of Oxfam Mexico: a rights-based approach, the development agenda and its discussion in the various international forums, humanitarian action and international cooperation. The author provides brief reflections on each of these aspects based on his experience (relationship, influence and cooperation with foreign policy in Mexico). In his conclusion, he highlights the importance of a foreign policy which envisions a State strengthened by the active participation of civil society and the different organized sectors in the country.