By KELIN DILLON

As temporary member of the United Nations Security Council, Mexico assumed the role of the organization’s rotating presidency on Monday, Nov. 1, with an emphasis on combating corruption, arms trafficking and preventive work for international security.

Mexican Ambassador to the United Nations Juan Ramón de la Fuente said that Mexico would likewise put a spotlight on women’s rights throughout its temporary assumption of the presidency, based on the abundance of women-focused foreign policies among the UN.

“During its presidency, Mexico will organize three flagship events: The first will seek to generate a debate on corruption, inequality, exclusion and armed conflicts and will be led by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO),” said De la Fuente.

“The second will be an open debate on the trafficking and diversion of small arms and light weapons and its impact on international security. This is a matter of special priority for the security of Mexico.”

The third event will then see debate and discussion around potential preventative measures the UN can take to ensure global peace and international security, particularly surrounding present issues in the Middle East and the region’s treatment of its female population, particularly Afghanistan.

“Mexico will preside over the first meeting of this type and will pay particular attention to the situation of women and girls in Afghanistan,” said De la Fuente.

“Mexico consistently defends the importance of guaranteeing humanitarian assistance and protecting the civilian population in armed conflicts.”

On Tuesday, Nov. 9, López Obrador will visit the UN headquarters in New York City to preside over the Security Council session, and likewise meet with Secretary General of the UN António Guterres in what will be just the second foreign trip AMLO has made in his three years of presidency.