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.

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

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

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 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

Labor mobility has become an essential component in responding to workforce shortages, evolving industry needs, and demographic shifts across North America. As the region faces increasing pressure to fill critical roles in sectors ranging from agriculture and manufacturing to healthcare and technology, the ability to move talent efficiently and responsibly across borders is more important than ever. This panel explored the current landscape of labor mobility, focusing on existing visa frameworks, binational agreements, and policy tools designed to facilitate cross-border workforce movement. It also highlighted innovative, industry-led solutions that are helping to address labor gaps while ensuring the protection and development of workers. In addition to practical mechanisms, the discussion examined the broader economic, social, and security implications of labor mobility, offering a comprehensive perspective on how governments, businesses, and civil society can collaborate to create a more resilient and adaptive labor ecosystem in North America. Speakers: Andrew Selee, NCF25 FELLOW, President, Migration Policy Institute Dany Bahar, Senior Fellow & Director Migration Program, Center for Global Development Marcela Escobari, Senior Fellow, Global Economy and Development, Brookings Institution Sean Randolph, Senior Director, Bay Area Council Economic Institute Carolina Millan, Mexico Bureau Chief, Bloomberg News

As the global energy landscape undergoes rapid transformation, North America stands at a critical juncture. The United States, Mexico, and Canada are uniquely positioned to lead—not only through abundant resources like oil, gas, and critical minerals, but also by advancing integration in electricity, petrochemicals, and clean energy technologies. This panel brought together top leaders to explore how deeper energy cooperation can boost regional competitiveness, attract investment in advanced manufacturing, and build more resilient supply chains for both conventional and emerging sectors. Panelists discussed how coordinated policy, infrastructure planning, and cross-border trade can enhance energy security within the region, and for global allies. With the 2026 USMCA review on the horizon, this is a key moment to assess how a unified North American energy strategy can drive long-term economic growth and geopolitical influence. Speakers: Carlos García, Senior VP Latin America, Commercial Operation and Managing Director, Valero Mexico Gerardo Cervantes, Chief Commercial Officer, Saavi Energía Gregory Romero, SVP Mexico Natural Gas Pipelines, TC Energy Katya Somohano, CEO, Iberdrola México Tania Ortiz Mena, President, Sempra Infrastructure Reed Blakemore, Director of Research and Programs, Global Energy Center Atlantic Council

As global competition reshapes markets, North America faces strategic decisions around foreign investment, industrial policy, and supply chain resilience. The growing presence of investment from outside the region is transforming key industries and raising concerns about market access, tariff circumvention, and strategic dependencies. At the same time, these investments are contributing to job creation, industrial development, and expanded production capacity across the region. This session assessed how these dynamics are impacting trade, manufacturing, and investment decisions in North America. Speakers examined the risks and opportunities for businesses, the regulatory responses taking shape, and the potential for the U.S., Mexico, and Canada to align strategies that protect critical sectors while keeping the region competitive. SPEAKERS: Jorge Gonzalez Henrichsen, Co-CEO, The Nearshore Company Valeria Moy, Director, IMCO Glenn Hamer, President and CEO, Texas Association of Business Julián Ventura, Former Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs, Mexico; Former ambassador of Mexico to China Jason Marczak, VP and Senior Director, Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center, Atlantic Council.