By Eliane Portillo

President Felipe Calderón was awarded the Global Statesman award on Thursday during his presentation at the Global Economic Crisis and Opportunities of the G20, where he stated that the European debt crisis has provoked a re-design of the global economic model.

The president stated that a redesigning of the global economic model would create a new world order and new rules, but such rules would still respect economic liberty, democracy and respect for the environment. I’m sure that there is a new world order and that the rules have changed, Calderón said. The crisis is forcing us to rethink our economic model for the future but while doing this, we must bear in mind principles of freedom and democracy. This new model will have to be the only model and must follow the rules of financial responsibility while respecting the environment and social justice.

After presenting his ideas at the forum, he addressed the leaders of the world’s most powerful nations, telling them that in spite of the difficulties they are currently facing, now is the time to show leadership in designing and implementing a real and sustainable plan for human development.

Calderón went on to say that not investing in the protection of the environment would end up being more expensive and would lead to more severe consequences than those seen today.

In my country we had the worst floods and the worst droughts at the same time, Calderón said.

If you take action today, it will be much more economical than if you take action in the future. Additionally, the protection of the environment offers opportunities for economic growth for this reason Mexico is asking the G20 nations to fulfill their promises and adopt more ambitious goals, Calderón added.

President Calderón also spoke about the successes achieved by his administration, adding that it has already provided universal health care for the people of Mexico and built new high schools and universities.