Amid trade turmoil, the fourth annual gathering brought experts together to examine U.S.-Mexico relations
The U.S.-Mexico Forum took place on May 12–14, bringing together academics, policymakers, dignitaries, members of the media and others to discuss the relationship between the North American neighbors at a time when both countries have new presidential administrations and the course of their relationship is unclear.
The event — hosted by the Center for U.S.-Mexican Studies at UC San Diego’s School of Global Policy and Strategy (GPS) — touched on issues including trade, innovation, leadership and diplomacy in the two countries and provided an opportunity for those present to share their views candidly.
Speaking to the attendees, Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla acknowledged the evolving dynamics, while also emphasizing the important role the forum plays in bilateral discussions, and how the work of the center can help bridge the gap between the two countries’ differing priorities.
“We are not just celebrating an event — we are affirming a commitment to understanding, collaboration and the belief that our nations are stronger together than apart.”
Pradeep K. Khosla, Chancellor of UC San Diego
“Our Center for U.S.-Mexican Studies, one of the world’s leading university think tanks dedicated to U.S.-Mexico relations, is poised to inform the creation, implementation and evaluation of public policy during this critical time,” Khosla said.
He added: “This forum serves as a vital platform for dialogue at a time when meaningful cross-border communication has never been more essential. We are not just celebrating an event — we are affirming a commitment to understanding, collaboration and the belief that our nations are stronger together than apart.”
The 2025 forum comes at a time when trade restrictions threaten to destabilize the relationship between the U.S. and Mexico.
Rafael Fernández de Castro, director of the center, shared that the forum’s goal is to promote cooperation between the U.S. and Mexico and to reduce tensions that often surface in such a complex partnership.
“Both governments must engage deliberately to build stronger ties, and this gathering is one way the center is promoting that outlook,” he said.
GPS’s dean, Caroline Freund, attended the forum not only in her leadership capacity but also as a practicing academic. The dean participated in a discussion about the future of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, drawing on her expertise in international trade and as a former chief economist at the World Bank.
“The economic relationship of our two countries has ramifications for the rest of the world, especially in 2025,” Freund said. “Mexico is one of many interconnected areas of study at our school, which has the word ‘global’ in its name very intentionally.”
“Both governments must engage deliberately to build stronger ties, and this gathering is one way the center is promoting that outlook.”
Rafael Fernández de Castro, Director of the Center for U.S.-Mexican Studies
During the forum, the center presented the 2025 Jeffrey Davidow Good Neighbor Award to Tania Ortiz Mena, the president of Sempra Infrastructure, to honor her contributions to energy integration in the Calibaja region.
The award is named for Jeffrey Davidow, former U.S. ambassador to Mexico, and recognizes individuals who promote cooperation and understanding between the U.S. and Mexico.
“Her career represents endurance and commitment. And, above all, a fundamental belief that a U.S. firm, even in the energy field, can be successful and tremendously beneficial for the two countries,” Fernández de Castro said.
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