The conversation with geopolitical strategist, Peter Zeihan, explored the vast opportunities and pressing challenges that lie ahead for North America. This discussion touched on the continent's strategic position in the evolving global landscape, emphasizing its unrivaled access to energy resources and cutting-edge technological advancements. Through an exploration of geopolitical dynamics, the audience gained valuable insights into the critical factors shaping North America's future trajectory. The dialogue highlighted the opportunities and challenges given the current economic and political situations to incentivize strategic decision-making by key stakeholders in the region.

Affiliates: México en Movimiento and the North Capital Forum

Speakers:

Peter Zeihan, Geopolitical analyst and NYT Bestseller Author

Enrique Perret, Founder and President, North Capital Forum; Managing Director, U.S.-Mexico Foundation

The intensifying tech race against China has prompted the United States to prioritize supply chain resiliency and security, particularly within the technology sector. Concerns have emerged due to the risks associated with over-reliance on China and vulnerabilities in Taiwan's production. To address these challenges, the Biden Administration implemented the CHIPS Act in 2022, with a focus on supply chain realignment and the strengthening of domestic technology manufacturing. The Act aims to reduce dependence on foreign sources and enhance resilience and security.

Recognizing the importance of international partnerships, the United States has encouraged Mexico and Canada to join as strategic allies. Their geographical proximity and existing manufacturing capabilities position them as potential collaborators in the race for technological advancement. By fostering these alliances, the US aims to diversify supply chains, mitigate vulnerabilities, and secure a competitive edge.

The panel discussion centered around the CHIPS Act, global technology supply chains, and the potential role of Mexico in this realignment. The objective is to establish a secure and dynamic technology infrastructure, reduce reliance on a single source, and address both economic and strategic concerns that arise from the ongoing tech race.

Affiliate: Bay Area Council Economic Institute

Speakers:

Sean Randolph, Bay Area Council Economic Institute

Kimberly Breier, Covington & Burling LLP

Bismarck Lepe, NCF23 Fellow, Wizeline

Erich Cripton, NCF23 Fellow, CDPQ Global

Peter Hall, Martinrea Intl.

The panel discussion focused on the crucial task of improving economic productivity in the region to achieve long-lasting and inclusive growth. While North America has the potential to become an economic powerhouse, it faces significant challenges such as systemic inequalities, inefficient resource allocation, and opportunities related to migration and labor mobility.

The main objective of the discussion is to generate proposals that can enhance North American competitiveness and drive higher productivity. Through these proposals, the panel aims to facilitate a dialogue on how to optimize North America's economic performance in order to achieve inclusive growth. The ultimate goal is to create a more efficient and fair economic landscape that unlocks the region's full potential for sustained growth.

Affiliates: Harvard's Growth Lab & Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth

Speakers:

Arturo Franco, Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth

Dany Bahar, Harvard’s Growth Lab; Brown University

Marina Cigarini, McKinsey and Co.

Peter Loewen, Munk School, University of Toronto

Sofia Ramírez, México, ¿cómo vamos?

Marcela Escobari, USAID

Three decades of economic integration have fostered a dynamic and competitive region. Thanks to the coordination between North American stakeholders and the most advanced free trade mechanisms, business ties between Mexico, the United States, and Canada are stronger than ever – but that work is never over. The panel “Let’s Work Together: Advancing North American Economic Integration” delved into the role of the private sector to further strengthen continental economic immigration in the coming decade.

Affiliate: Business Council of Canada

Speakers:

Jack Hughes, Business Council of Canada

Jorge Esteve, Consejo Mexicano de Negocios

Sandra Pupatello, Canadian International Avenues Ltd

Scott Center, World Trade Center - Savannah; National Office Systems

Even as nearshoring provides the opportunity to unleash North American competitiveness, Canada, Mexico, and the United States need to reduce obstacles and unify regulatory standards if they want to reach the summit. With USMCA providing a framework, what steps should the three countries take to build a seamless regulatory environment that can boost integration? How can governments shape regulations to foster investment and secure supply chains? What solutions has the private sector identified in this area to spur innovation, labor mobility, and sustainability in areas such as tech, wellness, and infrastructure? In “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough: Breaking Barriers to Reach North America’s Full Potential,” panelists shared insights on how Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. can harmonize their regulatory standards to reach new heights.

Affiliate: AS/COA

Speakers:

Susan Segal, NCF23 Co-chair, USA; AS/COA

Jennifer Prescott, Amazon Web Services

Jorge Márquez, Grupo México Transportes

Betsabé Rocha Nieto, Government of Monterrey, Nuevo León, México

Convocation has gathered former Ambassadors from the United States to Mexico, and from Mexico to the United States. In its third edition, the event expanded to include Canadian Ambassadors to the United States and Mexico, along with a Mexican Ambassador to Canada. The primary objective of this gathering is to facilitate discussions on the current and future state of the bilateral relationship, particularly concerning economy, security, migration, soft power, culture, and agriculture.

In this panel, we aimed to present the outcomes of Convocation 3.0, which took place in California. Fifteen ambassadors and business leaders participated in this event, providing valuable insights into the region's diplomatic challenges and opportunities. Throughout the weekend, these stakeholders engaged in thoughtful discussions and exchanged recommendations on the pressing issues at hand. Therefore, sharing the results of these conversations will greatly benefit the forum.

Affiliate: Convocation, by the U.S.-Mexico Foundation

Speakers:

Ana Paula Ordorica, NCF23 Fellow; Journalist

Pierre Alarie, Former Ambassador of Canada to Mexico; Starcore International Mines and ATCO

Antonio Garza, Former Ambassador of the U.S. to Mexico; White & Case, Mexico City

Gerónimo Gutiérrez, Former Ambassador of Mexico to the U.S.; Covington

Dionisio Pérez-Jacome

Former Ambassador of Mexico to Canada; Volaris

The electric sector in North America faces significant challenges as it addresses the increasing demand for reliable and sustainable power. As renewable energy adoption continues to grow, energy storage systems play a major role on the decarbonization of the electric system, while maximizing the usage of existing grid infrastructure. The U.S. recent experience with energy storage assets can serve as a valuable resource for a fast technology adoption in both Mexico and Canada electric systems. Overcoming these challenges is crucial to unlock the full potential of energy storage, enhance grid flexibility, and accelerate the transition to a decarbonized and resilient energy system in North America.

Affiliate: The AES Corporation

Speakers:

Pablo Zárate, FTI Consulting

Jaime Burguete, The AES Corporation

Kristyn Annis, Energy Storage Canada

John Zahurancik, Fluence

Carla Medina, Asociación Mexicana de Energía Solar & Saavi Energía

Effective governance requires strong coordination and collaboration among institutions at all levels of government. This panel delved into the significance of effective cooperation between local, state/provincial, and national institutions. By identifying opportunities for enhanced collaboration, the discussion will focus on aligning policies, regulations, and initiatives to foster effective regional governance.

Furthermore, the panel explored how to leverage these experiences and good practices to enhance institutional effectiveness and inclusivity across the three countries. The panel discussed how institutions at the local and state/provincial level can evolve and innovate to address new challenges, especially in tense executive-level political environments.

Looking toward the future, the panel examined how North American institutions can anticipate and adapt to emerging trends and global developments. Additionally, the panel discussed methods to enhance public awareness and engagement, ensuring continued relevance and support for North American institutions.

Affiliates:

The Center for Binational Institutions, U.S.-Mexico Foundation

International Republican Institute

Speakers:

Antonio “Tony” Garrastazu, International Republican Institute

María Eugenia “Maru” Campos, Governor of Chihuahua, Mexico

Guillermo Garcia Sanchez, Texas A&M University, School of Law

Shauna Hemingway, Embassy of Canada in Mexico

In today's changing world, sustainability is a key priority for businesses. This panel of visionary leaders discussed the positive impact of sustainable practices on business strategies and outcomes. Panelists shared their experiences, highlighting how sustainability has enhanced their bottom line and long-term success. They addressed challenges faced when integrating sustainability, including overcoming stakeholder resistance. Panelists discussed strategies and partnerships that drove sustainable change and created a culture of sustainability. The panel explored the link between sustainability and innovation, discussing how it drives creativity, efficiency, and competitive advantage. Collaborative initiatives across sectors will be emphasized, showcasing the power of partnerships in accelerating sustainable practices. The panelists also discussed the triple bottom line, balancing environmental, social, and economic goals. They shared strategies for achieving a positive impact on the environment and society while driving business resilience and success.

Affiliates: NADBank and USC Schwarzenegger Institute

Speakers:

Danielle Dithurbide, Journalist

Calixto Mateos, NADBank

Francisca Martinez, USC Schwarzenegger Institute

Marco A. Moreno, Secretary of Finance, State of Baja California, Mexico

Robert Orr, Cuna del Mar

Enrique Pérez Barba, Arca Continental Mexico

In the wake of the U.S.-China geopolitical rivalry, the global Covid-19 pandemic, and the recent Russian invasion of Ukraine, supply chain security has emerged as a critical factor for the North American economy. Amidst this rapidly evolving landscape, both the United States, Canada, and Mexico are actively pursuing agendas to promote investment and enhance supply chain resilience in key sectors.

The main objective is to explore how the region can deepen collaboration and advance shared commercial interests to foster secure and resilient supply chains that promote economic growth, stability, and increased competitiveness in the global market. Additionally, The Milken Institute will present the findings from its Global Opportunity Index (GOI) with Mexican state-by-state data to provide an overview of Mexico’s competitiveness as a strategic trade partner for the United States.

Affiliate: Milken Institute

Speakers:

Kenneth Smith, Agon

Samuel García, Governor of Nuevo Leon, Mexico

Maggie Switek, Milken Institute

Bernardo Rodarte, Schneider

Anuar Barake, Emerson

Luis Lara, American Industries