North Capital Forum

This session featured the ambassador of Canada to Mexico, and the Mexican ambassador to the United States, bringing fresh perspectives to the region’s most pressing issues. Together, they will explore the growing unity and shared vision across North America.

The panel addressed both challenges and opportunities facing the three countries, highlighting how close collaboration can turn obstacles into strengths. With the region more connected and powerful than ever, these leaders will discuss ways to deepen partnerships, build trust, and work collectively toward a resilient and prosperous future.

SPEAKERS:

T.H. Cameron MacKay, Ambassador of Canada to Mexico

T.H. Esteban Moctezuma, Ambassador of Mexico to the United States

Alma Caballero, Managing Director, McLarty Mexico

www.northcapitalforum.com/ncf25-ambassadors

This panel brings together leaders from diverse sectors to explore how emerging technologies are transforming industries and communities across North America. Despite their different fields, the panelists share a common focus on how innovation drives change—shaping policy decisions, implementation strategies, and the broader social and economic consequences.

The discussion examined the unique challenges and opportunities technology presents within the region, while also considering global trends and lessons. Attendees gained insights into how cross-sector collaboration and forward-thinking policies can unlock technology’s full potential for inclusive growth and sustainable development.

SPEAKERS:

Mónica Aspe, CEO, AT&T Mexico

Nicole Valentine, Director, Fintech, Milken Institute

Nick Pickles, CPO, Tools for Humanity

Karlo Terán, NCF25 Fellow | CEO, Monro Capital

www.northcapitalforum.com/ncf25-transformational-tech

This fireside chat featured Roberto Velasco, Undersecretary for North America at Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in conversation with Enrique Perret, Managing Director of the US-Mexico Foundation and President & Founder of the North Capital Forum.

Together, they reflected on the latest developments shaping North America, from trade and investment to mobility, security, and innovation. With a focus on opportunities for collaboration, the discussion will highlight how Mexico, the United States, and Canada can continue to strengthen ties and advance shared priorities in a rapidly changing global context.

www.northcapitalforum.com/ncf25-sre-rv

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