North Capital Forum

Public opinion is playing an increasingly influential role in shaping the environment in which governments and businesses operate across North America.

This panel explored evolving perceptions among citizens in the United States; particularly on issues such as trade, security, migration, and bilateral relations. Drawing on the latest data from Echelon Insights for the U.S.-Mexico Foundation, the conversation analyzed how these attitudes are impacting policy decisions, investment climates, and the broader ability to foster long-term regional cooperation. For stakeholders navigating cross-border strategies amid political transitions and growing economic interdependence, understanding these dynamics is more critical than ever.

Speakers:

Kristen Soltis, Founding Partner and Co-founder, Echelon Insights

Pedro Casas Alatriste, Executive VP and CEO, AmCham Mexico

This interactive panel brought together key voices to examine how strengthening the North American market can drive greater food security across the region. Participants addressed climate change, advancing complementary markets, and leveraging the region's productive vocation can contribute to a more resilient and competitive agricultural sector.

Experts also discussed the role of regional health systems, technologies & infrastructure supply chain resilience & labor mobility, as well as preparing the next generation of leaders in agriculture, as we respond to an evolving regulatory landscape. Together, they identified opportunities for innovation and collaboration to build a more secure, sustainable, and integrated food system in North America.

Speakers:

John Bode, President and CEO, Corn Refiners Association

Kerri Conway, Secretariat, North American Agricultural Advisory Network

Jorge Esteve, President, Consejo Nacional Agropecuario

Hector Lujan, CEO, Hortifrut

Ana Paula Ordorica, Journalist

This panel explored the AI adoption journey, covering integration, talent acquisition, and resource allocation in both the private and public sectors. Speakers shared valuable lessons from their experiences and strategies for overcoming common challenges. Given the rapid evolution of AI-driven solutions, it's crucial for businesses and governments to align their resources, talent, and strategies for effective adoption. The discussion focused on how organizations can leverage AI to drive growth, innovation, and competitiveness. By examining real-world examples and best practices, we will identify key takeaways for stakeholders looking to achieve sustainable success with AI.

Beyond domestic implications, the discussion also explored the regional dimensions of AI collaboration and innovation. We analyzed the potential of the USMCA to boost regional competitiveness through AI-driven initiatives. By fostering a deeper understanding of the opportunities and challenges presented by USMCA, we aim to inspire new partnerships and collaborations that will propel economic growth and development across North America.

Speakers:

Alejandro Maza, Chief Data Officer, Kavak

David JIménez, Managing Director, CPG, Sofftek

Estefania Capdeville, Directora de Proyectos Especiales y Cooperación Global, Agencia de Transformación Digital y Telecomunicaciones (ADT), Gobierno de México

Gordon Whitehouse, Co-founder and COO, Pacto

Glenda Michel, Public Policy Manager, Meta

North America is entering a mega-decade of sports, with events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, and multiple major league championships creating unprecedented opportunities to connect fans, cultures, and economies.

This panel explored how sports can serve as a powerful economic driver for both the public and private sectors, while also promoting cultural exchange and peacebuilding across the continent. Panelists discussed how different industries can align with financial and strategic opportunities arising from these events, and how major sporting moments can generate long-term economic growth, strengthen communities, and enhance the region’s global cultural capital.

Speakers:

Phil Clement, President & CEO, World Business Chicago

Gabriela Cuevas, Representative for the FIFA World Cup, Government of Mexico

Reggie Love, Senior Advisor, Apollo Global Management

Jurgen Mainka, Chief Tournament Officer Mexico, FIFA World Cup 2026

Travis Murphy, NCF25 Fellow | Founder and CEO, Jetr Global

T. K. Harvey, Vice President of Culture & Sports Diplomacy, Meridian International Center

Former ambassadors and secretaries from Mexico, the United States, and Canada engaged in a conversation on the evolving intersection of national and economic security in North America.

The panel explored today’s most pressing security challenges and the critical role of trilateral cooperation in safeguarding regional stability. Drawing on their experience, the discussion highlighted strategies for aligning security and economic priorities, enhancing collaboration across borders, and strengthening North America’s collective resilience in an increasingly complex global environment.

SPEAKERS:

Graeme C. Clark, Former Ambassador of Canada to Mexico

John Negroponte, Former Ambassador of the United States to Mexico

Carlos Gutierrez, Former Secretary of Commerce, United States

Gerónimo Gutiérrez, Former Ambassador of Mexico to the United States

Stephanie Ochoa, White House Correspondent, Entravisión

This conversation touched the policies, priorities, and strategies shaping Mexico’s role in today’s global economy. From trade diversification to strengthening regional integration under USMCA, the session will highlight how Mexico is navigating shifting supply chains, new technologies, and evolving global dynamics.

Participants gained insights into the opportunities and challenges facing North America’s trade agenda—and how closer cooperation between Mexico, the United States, and Canada can drive competitiveness, investment, and long-term prosperity across the region.

SPEAKERS:

Luis Rosendo Gutiérrez, Undersecretary of Foreign Trade, Secretaría de Economía, Mexico

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

This conversation featured Altagracia Gómez, Coordinator of the Advisory Council for Regional Economic Development and Business Relocation at the Government of Mexico, and Robert F. Smith, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Vista Equity Partners. The discussion explored Mexico’s Plan Mexico, focusing on an approach to attract strategic investment and encourage business relocation within a broader vision for North American integration.

Combining global investment expertise with Mexico’s economic development goals, the panel examined opportunities for innovation, sustainable growth, talent, technology and stronger cross-border partnerships. The session offered a unique perspective on how public and private sectors can collaborate to enhance prosperity and deepen regional ties.

While trade policy and diplomacy often dominate headlines, the everyday experiences and opinions of North Americans tell a deeper story. This session brought fresh insights from the Gallup World Poll to spotlight how people across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada are feeling in 2025, on issues ranging from economic outlook and well-being to trust in institutions and perceptions of regional cooperation.

Going beyond averages, the discussion also examined how socio-economic status shapes these views, revealing critical differences in priorities across communities. As political transitions and policy shifts continue to unfold, understanding what citizens truly value offers a powerful lens for building a more inclusive and resilient North America.

In this session, NCF25 Mexico Co-Chair, Antonio del Valle, and NCF25 Canada Co-Chair, José Boisjoli shared their vision for delivering “The North American Way”—an approach grounded in shared values, deep cross-border connections, and a commitment to innovation, prosperity, and social responsibility.

These leaders offered diverse perspectives shaped by their countries, industries, and personal experiences. Together, they explored how collaboration across sectors and borders can drive inclusive growth and strengthen the bonds that make North America unique.

This conversation brought fresh ideas on how to build a future that reflects the region’s collective spirit and shared ambitions.

SPEAKERS:

Antonio del Valle, NCF25 Mexico Co-Chair | Chairman, Grupo Kaluz

José Boisjoli, NCF25 Canada Co-Chair | President and CEO, BRP

Megan Messerly, White House Reporter, Politico

https://www.northcapitalforum.com/ncf25-cochairs-panel

The exchanges between the Legislative branches in North America are a powerful tool for advancing regional cooperation. Lawmakers can improve policy development, harmonize regulatory frameworks, and tackle shared challenges more effectively. This panel focused on how legislative bodies contribute to better governance and a unified regional approach to critical issues such as border security, legal migration, infrastructure development, and trade implementation.

The discussion also highlighted legislative oversight in agreements such as the USMCA and explore long-term agendas that promote regional equity, legal frameworks, and accelerate strategic infrastructure, among other instruments to shape a more resilient, secure, and prosperous North America.

SPEAKERS:

Sen. Cynthia López Castro, Mexico

Sen. Peter Boehm, Canada

Rep. Tony Gonzales, USA

Carlos Díaz-Rosillo, Director, Adam Smith Center for Economic Freedom, FIU

https://www.northcapitalforum.com/ncf25-legislators