Hosted by the North Capital Forum

This panel explored the critical role of energy transition in shaping North America's future. Experts discussed how the region can leverage its diverse energy resources and technological capabilities to accelerate the shift towards cleaner, more sustainable energy systems. The conversation highlighted opportunities for cross-border collaboration in developing renewable energy infrastructure, implementing smart grid technologies, and fostering innovation in energy storage and distribution. Panelists examined strategies to balance economic growth with environmental oversight, addressing challenges such as grid integration, policy harmonization, and workforce adaptation. By focusing on the unique strengths of each country, this discussion aims to chart a course for a more resilient and competitive North American energy landscape.

Speakers:

Sarah Birke, Mexico City Bureau Chief, The Economist

Tania Ortíz-Mena, President, Sempra Infrastructure

Jesus Carmona, President for Mexico and Central America, Schneider Electric

Gregory Romero, Senior Vice-President, Mexico Natural Gas Pipelines, TC Energy

Mauricio del Valle, CEO, Saavi Energy

José Antonio Meade, Consultant, Emant Consultores

Hosted by the North Capital Forum

This panel explored strategies for creating a more inclusive and equitable North America, ensuring that economic and social progress reaches all corners of the region. Experts discussed how to address disparities in development across the three countries, focusing on areas that have historically lagged behind. The conversation highlighted innovative economic development initiatives designed to uplift underserved communities and bridge gaps in prosperity. Panelists examined the unique challenges faced by specific regions in Canada, the United States, and Mexico, and propose collaborative solutions to foster balanced growth. A special focus was placed on the ongoing efforts in southeast Mexico as a case study, showcasing how targeted investments and policies can transform economically challenged areas into hubs of opportunity and innovation.

Speakers:

Maria Ariza, CEO, BIVA

Sen. Mauricio Vila, Senator for Yucatán, Mexico

Guadalupe Phillips, CEO, Empresas ICA

Leonardo Robles, Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer, Mexico Natural Gas Pipelines, TC Energy

Juan Sebastian Gonzalez, Senior Advisor to the CEO, U.S. International Development Finance Corporation

Hosted by CDPQ + Bloomberg Linea

The panel spotlighted the the evolving investment climate and financial ecosystems of North America, focusing on the evolving investment climate and financial ecosystems that support high-growth startups across the region and how North American capital markets and venture funding mechanisms are increasingly aligning to fuel the expansion of Mexican unicorns. Experts explored the challenges and opportunities for securing investment, the impact of cross-border funding strategies, and the potential for collaboration between North American entrepreneurs.

Speakers:

Jimena Tolama, NCF24 FELLOW; Editor in Chief, Bloomberg Línea

Jorge López, Chairman, Millas para el Retiro

Jordi Tasias, Managing Director, Private Equity and Managing Director, CDPQ Mexico

Manuel Perez, Senior VP, Cabrera Capital

Luis Gutiérrez, President for Latin America, Prologis; CEO, FIBRA Prologis

Rubén Coppel, President, BanCoppel

Hosted by Asociación Fintech + Biva

This panel explored the growth and opportunities within the sector, focusing on how it drives stock market expansion through innovation and fosters a more inclusive, sustainable financial industry. This panel addressed the growth and opportunities for the financial sector. Panelists discussed how innovation contributes to greater access to markets and building a financial health ecosystem, expanding accessibility to underserved populations and contributing to the growth of the stock market.

As the financial sector in North America evolves rapidly due to technological advancements, the democratization of finance is becoming a reality. The accelerated growth of industries linked to nearshoring and digitization is not only transforming the financial landscape but also ensuring that more individuals and businesses can participate in and benefit from these changes, leading to an improved financial well-being for everyone. financial sector is rapidly evolving due to technological advancements and increased accessibility. The rise of nearshoring and digitization is transforming finance, broadening its impact, and significantly benefiting consumers.

Speakers:

Regina Reyes-Heroles, Journalist, Milenio

María Ariza, CEO, Biva

Felipe Vallejo, NCF24 FELLOW; CEO, Bitso Mexico; President, Asociación Fintech Mexico

Susan Greenwell, SVP & Head, Global Government Relations, MetLife

Shu Nyatta, Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Bicycle Capital

Hosted by InCyber

This panel explored strategies for strengthening North America's digital security by bringing together perspectives from various industries, including the public and private sectors, academia, and trade. The discussion covered key issues like raising public awareness, fostering cross-border cooperation, and implementing robust security protocols to protect against evolving cyber threats in an increasingly complex digital landscape.

Speakers:

Diane Janosek, CEO, Janos LLC

Cindy Rayo Zapata, Regional Director, Asociación Interamericana de Empresas de Telecomunicaciones (ASIET)

Ram Krishnan, Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering and Director; UTSA Institute of Cyber Security, University of Texas at San Antonio

Adrian Peters, Chief Information Security Officer, Vista Equity Partners

Hosted by Nepanoa + Manifest

This panel aims to address key challenges and create mutually beneficial solutions for enhancing trilateral commerce between the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Experts discussed how emerging technologies are revolutionizing supply chain management, increasing efficiency, and reducing costs across North America. The panel explored innovative approaches to mitigating risks and minimizing disruptions in cross-border trade, showcasing real-world applications of artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT) in logistics operations. The audience will gain valuable insights into how these technological advancements are reshaping the landscape of North American trade, fostering greater integration and competitiveness in the global market.

Speakers:

Pam Simon, EVP, Manifest

Alberto Villarreal, Founder and CEO, Nepanoa; Advisory Council, USMF

Francisco Sanchez, Partner, Holland & Knight

Sandra Pupatello, NCF24 FELLOW; Former Minister of Economic Development and Trade, Canada; Board member of Martinrea International

Deepak Chhugani, Founder and CEO, Nuvocargo

Hosted by UNHCR/ACNUR

This panel explored the benefits of integrating refugees into the workforce, highlighting their contributions to economic growth and the resilience of North American cities. Refugees bring diverse perspectives, skills, and talents that enrich culture and boost economic vitality in their new communities. North America's embrace of refugees demonstrates its commitment to inclusivity, global stewardship, and human rights. Implementing supportive policies for those fleeing persecution and conflict can enhance regional stability and foster international collaboration.

Speakers:

Paola Barquet, Host and Broadcaster, Milenio

Giovanni Lepri, Representante de ACNUR en México, UNHCR/ACNUR

Dany Bahar, NCF24 FELLOW; Director of Migration, Displacement, and Humanitarian Policy, Center for Global Development

Adriana Figueredo, Global Leader, Tertiary Refugee Student Network

Luciana Gandini, Senior Researcher, UNAM

Hosted by Vesta

This panel explored how shifting global supply chains are reshaping North America's industrial landscape. The discussion highlighted the challenges and opportunities of nearshoring and its implications for manufacturing strategies and industrial real estate markets. Experts explored how this shift is driving demand for advanced manufacturing facilities and strategic locations across North America, emphasizing opportunities for economic growth, job creation, and infrastructure development.

Speakers:

Ricardo Fernández-Mazarambroz, Director of Corporate and Government Banking Network, BBVA Mexico

Adriana Eguía, Regional Vice President, North West Mexico, Vesta

Marco del Prete, Secretary of Economic Development, State of Querétaro, Mexico

Jorge González Henrichsen, CEO, The Nearshore Company

Anuar Barake, Vice President Mexico and Northern Latin America, Emerson

Hosted by Fundación Coca Cola + USC Schwarzenegger Institute

Transitioning to a circular economy in North America presents both significant challenges and immense opportunities. Shifting from the traditional 'take-make-waste' model to a sustainable approach is crucial for addressing environmental and social issues, combating climate change, and unlocking substantial economic benefits. This panel explored North America's unique strengths, key challenges, and the necessary changes in business models, practices, regulations, and policies to accelerate the transition to a circular economy.

Speakers:

Carolina Garayzar, Chief of Staff to the Chairman / Head of ESG Financial Services, BanCoppel

Gov. Marina del Pilar Ávila, Governor, State of Baja California, Mexico

Fernanda Guarro, General Director, 3M México

Francisca Martinez, Deputy Chief of Staff, USC Schwarzenegger Institute

Julian Escutia, Country Director, Mexico, Sea Shepherd Conservation Society

Hosted by México en Movimiento

In this panel, we engaged in a conversation with Garrett M. Graff, a renowned geopolitical expert, exploring the wide range of topics he writes about, including cybersecurity, national security, technology, politics, and historical events. The discussion focused on how these global issues intersect with and impact the North American region, shaping the future of its geopolitical landscape. You will gain insights into the complexities of modern geopolitics and their implications for the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, offering valuable perspectives for understanding the region's role in an interconnected world.

Speakers:

Javier Tello, Political Analyst and Commentator

Garrett Graff, Bestselling Historian and Pulitzer Prize Finalist; Director of Cyber Initiatives, Aspen Institute