North Capital Forum

Science, technology, and education are key to North America’s ability to compete and lead in a rapidly changing world. This panel featured Dr. Dava Newman, former NASA Deputy Administrator and Director of the MIT Media Lab, in conversation with the director of one of Mexico’s leading universities.

The discussion explored how innovation, space exploration, and academic collaboration can drive regional competitiveness, foster cutting-edge research, and prepare the next generation of leaders. Panelists highlighted opportunities for cross-border partnerships in science and education, demonstrating how collaborative efforts can position North America at the forefront of global discovery and technological advancement.

This interactive panel explored how the United States, Mexico, and Canada can strengthen trilateral collaboration to bolster cybersecurity across North America. As cyber threats grow more sophisticated and borderless, coordinated government action is essential to protect critical infrastructure, ensure data privacy, and defend democratic institutions.

Panelists examined opportunities for joint policy development, intelligence sharing, public-private partnerships, and capacity building; with a focus on harmonizing regulatory frameworks and investing in cross-border cybersecurity readiness.

The session aimed to identify actionable trilateral strategies that enhance regional resilience and establish North America as a global leader in cybersecurity governance.

Speakers:

Chad Wolf, Executive Director and Chief Strategy Officer, America First Policy Institute

Colin MacSween, Director General, National Cyber Security at Public Safety Canada

Erik Moreno Sánchez, Cybersecurity Director, Minsait México

Sen. Luis Donaldo Colosio Riojas, Senator, Nuevo León, Senate of Mexico

Noe Garcia III, Managing Partner, Forward Global

In collaboration with the public sector, the Special Committee on Investment and Relocation focuses on creating optimal conditions for investment and strengthening regional development across North America.

As global supply chains realign, North America is emerging as a prime destination for companies relocating operations closer to key markets. This panel examined how the region can seize this momentum by creating the right conditions for investment, strengthening local industries, and integrating small and medium-sized enterprises into cross-border value chains. Panelists discussed strategies to accelerate digitalization, expand access to advanced technologies, modernize infrastructure, and scale clean energy adoption—showcasing how coordinated public-private efforts can transform delocalization into a powerful driver of growth, competitiveness, and resilience across the continent.

Speakers:

Andrés Mijes, Mayor, Escobedo, Nuevo León

Francisco Cervantes, Presidente, Consejo Coordinador Empresarial

Max El-Mann Arazi, President of the Special Committee for Investment and Business Relocation, Consejo Coordinador Empresarial

María de Haas, Director General in the Officesof Secretary Marcelo Ebrard, Secretary of Economy

Emilio Cadena, CEO, Prodensa | Chairman, U.S-Mexico Foundation

Shifting geopolitical dynamics are accelerating the transformation of supply chains, prompting U.S. companies to relocate operations closer to home and creating new opportunities for regional collaboration. As trade with China evolves and interest rates drive companies to optimize costs, the continued growth of e-commerce is fueling demand for faster, smarter logistics solutions.

This panel explored how emerging technologies, infrastructure investments, and strengthened North American cooperation are redefining trade operations across the region. With U.S.-Mexico trade reaching historic highs and Mexico positioning itself as a leading industrial hub and logistics powerhouse, panelists shared strategies to enhance real-time visibility, strengthen risk management against theft and fraud, and streamline cross-border routes through key corridors and strategic ports of entry.

As digitalization reshapes the logistics landscape, this session offered practical insights for building more resilient, agile, and efficient supply chains — positioning North America to capitalize on new growth opportunities and navigate global complexities with confidence.

Speakers:

Armando Martínez, CFO and Co-CEO, The Nearshore Company

Fidel Gutiérrez, CEO, G-Global

Mario Ramos, Vice President - Information Systems and Innovation, Wisdom Digital Logistics

Rodolfo Mercado, CEO, Traxión

Pam Simon, Conference Chair & EVP Programming, Manifest

The intertwined nature of the North American economies ensures that even as reshoring accelerates in the United States, Mexico and Canada will remain essential exporters of consumer goods, commodities, and agricultural products to their common neighbor. This dynamic highlights the region’s economic complementarity and the opportunities it creates for deeper collaboration.

This session examined how a complementarity-based approach can expand regional integration, enhance shared economic value, and strengthen North America’s role in promoting long-term regional and global stability.

Speakers:

Jasper Jung, NCF25 FELLOW, Executive Director, Strategic Initiatives, Global Public Policy, General Motors

Javier Valadez Ortega, Director of Operations Mexico, PACCAR

Matt Stanton, Senior Vice President, Global Public Affairs, Constellation Brands

Regis Gagnon, Vice President, Campus Juárez, BRP

Christopher Hernandez-Roy, Deputy Director and Senior Fellow, Americas Program, CSIS

North America’s labor market is being reshaped by technological change, demographic shifts, economic uncertainty, and the green transition. This panel will explore how these trends are transforming jobs, skills, and workforce strategies across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.

Drawing on insights from the Future of Jobs Report 2025, which reflects the perspectives of over 1,000 global employers representing more than 14 million workers, panelists discussed how companies and governments are preparing for the workforce of 2030. The session examined strategies for workforce transformation, talent development, and cross-border collaboration, highlighting how North America can remain competitive and resilient amid rapid economic and technological change.

Speakers:

Alfredo Muñoz, VP Employee Benefits Business, MetLife

Clint O'Neal, Executive Director, Arkansas Economic Development Commission

Diana Palmerin-Velasco, Senior Director, Future of Work, Canadian Chamber of Commerce

Leon Ruiz, Vice President, WSN Mexico Wadhwani Foundation

Alejandro Madrazo Lajous, Academic Director, Talisis

From manufacturing to retail, Mexican companies are increasingly expanding into their northern neighbors, reshaping the region’s economic ties. This panel explored the motivations behind these cross-border investments, the strategies firms are using to deploy capital abroad, and the lessons learned from their ventures. Panelists shared candid reflections and strategic insights on how this wave of expansion is not only transforming individual companies but also redefining North America’s broader investment map and business landscape.

Speakers:

Ana María Aguilar, Directora Ejecutiva, Consejo Mexicano de Negocios

Fernando Ramos, CFO, GBM

Iván Rivas, Corporate Affairs and Institutional Relations Director, Xignux

Pablo Zapata, Managing Director, Tresalia Capital, Private Equity

Susana Sáenz, Business Journalist & Head of Multimedia Contents and Events, Whitepaper

As the global shift toward clean energy and electric mobility accelerates, North America faces both significant challenges and transformative opportunities. Regulatory fragmentation, uneven consumer adoption, and global competition underscore the need for deeper trilateral cooperation.

This panel explored how forward-looking investments, resilient platforms, and private-sector collaboration can drive innovation, strengthen supply chains, and unlock long-term growth opportunities across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Panelists discussed actionable strategies to scale clean technologies, foster robust public-private partnerships, and align industrial policy to ensure that North America not only keeps pace with global trends but sets the standard for a competitive, integrated, and future-ready regional economy.

Speakers:

Conyers Davis, Global Director, USC Schwarzenegger Institute

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

Marco Rodríguez Huesca, Director of External Affairs, Public Policy, and Sustainability, Daimler Truck

Ricardo Fernandez-Mazarambroz, NCF25 FELLOW, Director of the Corporate and Institutional Banking Network and Head of Sustainability, BBVA Mexico

Diana Páez, Senior Director, Energy and Mobility, William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan

As North America approaches the 2026 review of the USMCA, the region has a pivotal opportunity to renew and strengthen its economic integration. While the political landscape may bring new challenges, it also opens the door to modernizing the agreement and ensuring it continues to serve as a dynamic, future-oriented framework for trilateral cooperation.

This panel explored how the treaty keeps being a cornerstone of regional cooperation amid growing global uncertainty. The conversation focused on how the three countries can modernize and strengthen the agreement to keep it relevant. Panelists addressed key issues such as rules of origin, industrial competitiveness, and strategic alignment in priority sectors.

The discussion explored how the U.S., Mexico, and Canada can rebuild trust, strengthen collaboration, and position North America for long-term resilience and growth, while addressing rising domestic demands. The 2026 review presents not just a procedural requirement, but a unique chance to reinforce collaboration in the region.

Speakers:

Alice Slayton Clark, Senior Vice President of Trade, Investment and Digital Policy, USCIB

Emilio Cadena, CEO, Prodensa

Kevin Brady, Senior Consultant, Akin Gump

Gov. Matt Blunt, President, American Automotive Policy Council (AAPC)

Michael McAdoo, Partner & Director, Global Trade & Investment, Montreal, Boston Consulting Group

Joshua P. Meltzer, Senior Fellow, Global Economy and Development program, Brookings Institution

As the USMCA review approaches, North America’s auto supply chain is at a pivotal moment to strengthen regional competitiveness. This panel explored how evolving trade dynamics — including U.S. tariffs on autos, auto parts, steel, and aluminum — are prompting the industry to adapt and innovate across the region. Amid concerns about taxation practices in Mexico and heightened scrutiny of Chinese-linked entities, the discussion examined how automakers and suppliers are leveraging USMCA enforcement mechanisms and investor protections to foster a more secure and transparent investment environment.

Panelists also highlighted the critical importance of workforce development and skilled labor mobility to drive the next generation of automotive manufacturing, alongside government efforts to support technological advancement and process innovation. From refining rules of origin to addressing regulatory challenges, this session offered insights on how North America can seize emerging opportunities, fortify collaboration, and position its auto industry for sustainable growth in a rapidly changing global landscape.

Speakers:

Francisco González, Executive President, INA

Peter Hall, Senior Economic Advisor, Martinrea International

Tanya Skilton, Executive Director, Strategy, Innovation & Customer Care, Global Purchasing and Supply Chain, General Motors

Andrea Durkin, NCF25 FELLOW, Vice President for International Policy, NAM