Consul General Roberto Rodriguez to Receive the City of Phoenix Global Citizen Award

(Phoenix, AZ)  —  Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton will honor Mr. Roberto Rodriguez Hernandez, Consul General of Mexico in Phoenix, Arizona, with the City of Phoenix Global Citizen Award at the third annual Mayor’s International Gala. The gala will be held Thursday, April 7, at the Sheraton Grand Phoenix Hotel, 340 N. Third St.; reception from 6 – 7 p.m. with dinner immediately following.

Consul General Rodriguez is being recognized as an individual who embraces the qualities of a global citizen, who exemplifies global citizenship through his leadership and vision, and who promotes international understanding of the City of Phoenix.

“Consul General Rodriguez is a world-class leader, visionary and strategic thinker who has been relentless in his pursuit of mutual economic prosperity for our countries,” said Mayor Stanton. “His efforts have been instrumental in furthering trade, travel, and cultural understanding between Arizona and Mexico. It is our great pleasure to recognize Consul General Rodriguez for his tireless work as a global citizen and as a friend and partner of the City of Phoenix.”

In addition to his contributions to advance Phoenix’s global position, Consul General Rodriguez will be recognized for his significant impact on strategic international trade agreements as well as his efforts to strengthen economic development between Phoenix and Mexico, and to create social and educational development opportunities for youth in Phoenix and Mexico.

“I am deeply honored to be receiving an award that recognizes and celebrates the importance of global citizenship and its profound effects on the communities we serve through collaboration and mutually beneficial economic, educational and social development opportunities,” said Consul General Rodriguez.  “I thank Mayor Stanton and the City of Phoenix for their commitment to international engagement, especially the commitment to strengthening Arizona’s relationship with Mexico.”

Consul General Rodriguez is a career diplomat with nearly 40 years of service to his country. Since his appointment as Consul General in 2013, he has been instrumental in bringing the ProMexico trade office to Phoenix, in realizing trade memorandums of understanding with Mexican cities, and in establishing The Arizona State Trade and Investment Office in Mexico. Prior to his appointment to the consulate in Phoenix, one of the highest profile consulates in the U.S., he has had several appointments overseas and with the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Most recently he served as the Director General for the protection of Mexicans abroad and as the Consul General of Mexico in El Paso and Nogales. He was promoted to the rank of Ambassador in 2002.

“Consul General Rodriguez has played a critical role in strengthening Arizona’s ties to Mexico and I am particularly pleased that he is now working closely with the City of Phoenix to realize the signing of an economic agreement with our Sister City Hermosillo,” said Paula West, president and CEO, Phoenix Sister Cities, Inc.  “The agreement has the potential to raise our longstanding Sister Cities’ relationship to another level and further our mission of opening doors for businesses to thrive internationally and increase cultural awareness and understanding.”