CONVERSATION HELD AT THE NORTH CAPITAL FORUM 2025

https://www.northcapitalforum.com/ncf25-tino-cuellar

Mariano-Florentino (Tino) Cuéllar, President of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and former Justice of the Supreme Court of California, engaged in a wide-ranging conversation on the forces shaping governance and cooperation in the 21st century. Drawing on his experience in law, diplomacy, and international affairs, Cuéllar reflected on the state of democracy and the rule of law, the disruptive impact of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies on public institutions, and the political economy of trade and regional integration.

This discussion highlighted how North America—and the broader global community—can navigate these transformative shifts to strengthen resilience, equity, and long-term stability.

n este episodio conversamos con Diego Mercado, CEO de Bright, un líder con ADN financiero y visión de emprendedor que hoy está transformando cómo las empresas consumen energía. Desde su paso por banca y startups hasta dirigir una de las compañías de energía renovable más relevantes en México, Diego explica por qué la energía dejó de ser un costo fijo para convertirse en una ventaja competitiva.

Hablamos sobre cómo Bright pasó de atender hogares a diseñar soluciones solares y de eficiencia energética para industrias como alimentos, automotriz, hoteles, cold storage, manufactura y más. También exploramos cómo las empresas pueden reducir costos, escalar operaciones y cumplir metas ESG con tecnologías limpias y modelos más flexibles.

Una conversación práctica, inspiradora y llena de claridad sobre el futuro de la energía empresarial.

CONVERSATION HELD AT THE NORTH CAPITAL FORUM 2025

https://www.northcapitalforum.com/ncf25-secretaria-de-economia

This conversation touched on 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:

Mexican Undersecretary for Foreign Trade, Luis Rosendo Gutiérrez

Emilio Cadena, Chairman USMF; CEO Prodensa

En este episodio especial de Proyecto 1954, grabado desde el North Capital Forum, Enrique Perret conversa con Mónica Aspe, CEO de AT&T México, sobre la importancia del diálogo entre los sectores público y privado en la relación México–Estados Unidos–Canadá.

Juntos reflexionan sobre los retos y oportunidades de la integración económica de Norteamérica, el papel del talento joven en la transformación digital, la necesidad de políticas migratorias más flexibles, y el futuro del T-MEC.

Con una visión optimista y realista, Mónica destaca cómo, a pesar de los desafíos, la integración comercial y la cooperación regional siguen creciendo y fortaleciendo la competitividad de la región.

Un episodio imprescindible para entender hacia dónde se dirige la relación trilateral y cómo las empresas, la innovación y el talento están dando forma al futuro de Norteamérica.

In the latest episode of Proyecto 1954, host Enrique Perret sits down with distinguished guest Mariano‑Florentino “Tino” Cuéllar — the tenth President of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace (CEIP).

Tino Cuéllar brings decades of experience spanning academia, public service, and global governance: a former Justice of the California Supreme Court and a scholar of institutions, technology, and global security.

Together, Enrique and Tino explore the role of think tanks in today’s world of polarization and disruption. They examine how institutions like the Carnegie Endowment navigate washington D.C.’s policy ecosystem, influence public debates, and adapt to an era of rapid change. From deep dives into the architecture of think-tank influence to candid reflections on what it means to produce independent research in turbulent times, this episode is both insightful and accessible.

Whether you’re interested in foreign policy, institutional reform, or how ideas travel from academic offices to global capitals — this conversation offers a timely look into the power of ideas and institutions.

CONVERSATION HELD AT THE NORTH CAPITAL FORUM 2025

www.northcapitalforum.com/ncf25-sre-rv

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.

Recorded live at the North Capital Forum 2025, this special edition features Enrique Perret, Director of the US-Mexico Foundation, in conversation with Patrick McGee, author and analyst, for a timely deep dive into the shifting dynamics of global supply chains — especially between the United States and China.

McGee, a former Financial Times correspondent and author of Apple in China, brings a fresh and nuanced perspective. Drawing on over 200 interviews, his book explores how Apple built its vast supply chain in China — and how, rather than China capturing Apple, it was China that adapted to North American standards. His narrative challenges common assumptions and reveals a more complex economic relationship.

In this episode, they explore:

• The current implications for tech manufacturing in China

• How demographics and productivity are reshaping global industrial strategy

• The rise of AllyShoring, and why Mexico is well positioned to play a central role in the new supply chain map

This is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of North American competitiveness in a rapidly changing global landscape.

In this episode of Proyecto 1954, Enrique Perret, Managing Director of the U.S.-Mexico Foundation, sits down with Ezra Kebrab, Founder & CEO of Caliza—a fintech company reimagining cross-border financial transactions.

Caliza is part of Bridge49: The Nearshoring Tech Alliance, a pioneering initiative by the U.S.-Mexico Foundation and AmCham Mexico. Bridge49 brings together leading B2B tech companies to drive innovation in logistics, procurement, supply chain technology, modern finance, and manufacturing. Its mission is to leverage cutting-edge technology to deliver smarter solutions, strengthen U.S.-Mexico trade relationships, and unlock the full economic potential of North America.

Ezra—born in Washington, D.C., the son of Ethiopian and Eritrean immigrants, and now based in São Paulo, Brazil—shares his unique perspective on how fintech is transforming global finance. Together, we explore how technology can make cross-border transactions faster, cheaper, and more efficient, and what this means for connecting the U.S. and Mexico in new and powerful ways.

Tune in for insights on modern finance, nearshoring, and the role of tech entrepreneurs in shaping the future of North America’s economy.

En este episodio de Proyecto 1954, Enrique Perret conversa con Juan Pardinas, exdirector del periódico Reforma y del IMCO, sobre los grandes retos y transformaciones del comercio global. Hablan del impacto de los aranceles no solo en la relación México–Estados Unidos, sino también en el resto del mundo; de la inflación y cómo el poder adquisitivo influye en cambios estructurales de gobiernos y políticas públicas; del cambio de paradigma en la globalización y la institucionalidad del comercio; y de cómo la percepción social puede definir si hay marcha atrás —o no— en estas nuevas medidas.

In this new episode of Proyecto 1954, Enrique Perret, Managing Director of the US-Mexico Foundation, sits down with Dror Bar-Ziv — a USMexico360 alumnus, hedge fund manager, and business leader actively building community and networks in the Washington, D.C. area.

Dror reflects on his recent experience in Mexico City as part of the USMexico360 program, a week-long immersion organized by the US-Mexico Foundation in partnership with Meridian International Center. During his visit, Dror had the opportunity to engage with policymakers, business leaders, and civil society organizations — all while major policy developments unfolded, including the announcement of new U.S. tariffs on Mexican goods. These moments offered a rare look at the Mexican perspective, prompting deep conversations on how U.S. domestic policies ripple across borders, and how we might better connect, collaborate, and integrate as a North American region.

Beyond his experience with USMexico360, Dror also shares how his broader relationship with the Foundation — including events like the Meridian Ball Pre-Ball Ambassador Dinner hosted by Enrique and his wife — has deepened his interest and understanding of U.S.-Mexico ties beyond tourism. From business and government to civil society and diplomacy, he discusses the importance of building bridges that go far beyond trade.

This episode is a thoughtful look at how young leaders are shaping the future of bilateral relations, one meaningful exchange at a time.