KEYNOTE ADDRESS

Secretary Alicia Bárcena, Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources

Alicia Bárcena was Secretary of Foreign Affairs from June 2023 to September 2024. Previously, she served as Mexican ambassador to Chile.
From 2008 to 2022, she held the position of executive secretary of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC). She also served as deputy executive secretary and director of the Environment and Human Settlements Division at ECLAC. Before those postings she spent time working at the UN.
She was the first Undersecretary of Ecology of Mexico, in 1982, in the then Secretariat of Urban Development and Ecology. She also held the position of general director of the National Fisheries Institute in 1988.
She is a biologist and has a master's degree in Ecology from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), and a master's degree in Public Administration from Harvard University. Author of more than 50 publications in different international media and academic journals. 

This address will focus on Mexico's approach to environmental challenges and its approach to foreign policy.

GEOPOLITICAL LANDSCAPE

Where do the UK and Mexico sit within the shifting geopolitical landscape?

In the context of recently elected governments, experts will discuss UK-Mexico opportunities to strengthen cooperation at the multilateral level. Panellists will exchange views on shifting geopolitical trends and current global governance challenges within the multilateral system, as well as the promotion of human rights and the collaboration between both countries in the UN and the G20. The panel will identify common ground between Mexico and UK approaches to maintain a strong and productive relationship to address global needs. 

As the United States’ largest trading partner, this panel will assess how Mexico’s evolving relationship with its northern neighbour may impact diplomatic and economic strategies on the global stage. Similarly, experts will comment on China’s role and economic activity in Mexico and across Latin America. This discussion will also assess opportunities and challenges to expand ties with the ‘Global South’ and beyond.

KEYNOTE ADDRESS

The British Perspective

This address will tackle the themes of climate change and foreign affairs from a UK persepctive.

ENERGY TRANSITION

UK-Mexico: leading the energy transition

This panel will examine the critical role that the energy sector is and will play in facilitating the transition to greener and more sustainable energy sources. Besides assessing new President Sheinbaum’s energy policies for Mexico; some of the topics will include the role of renewable energy in shaping the bilateral relation; both countries’ goals for decarbonisation; climate change mitigation strategies; the role of private investment in strengthening supply chains; future technologies and innovation to achieve a fair energy transition; and the role of London – as a global green finance centre – in financing Mexico’s renewable energy projects.

GLOBAL GATEWAYS

Strategic avenues for strengthening UK-Mexico trade and investment

This panel will examine the growing opportunities for UK-Mexico trade and investment across key sectors, set against the backdrop of the UK’s accession to the CPTPP. Discussions will explore: how can Mexico serve as a nearshoring hub for British businesses looking to expand internationally? How can British companies in supporting sectors such as infrastructure and logistics contribute to the growth of Mexico’s manufacturing industry and its role as a global nearshoring hub alongside its burgeoning tourism industry? What key opportunities exist for Mexico to increase its exports to the UK, and vice versa, under the CPTPP and the UK-Mexico Free Trade Agreement? Additionally, how can private sector investment flows between the two countries be increased and sustained? What trade barriers persist for boosting bilateral trade and how may they be tackled, for example through Mexico’s potential ratification of the UK’s accession to the CPTPP?

FIRESIDE CHAT

In discussion with mexican industry

An insightful discussion hosted by Jeremy Browne, CEO, with a key figure from the Mexican business world.

SUSTAINABLE AND SHARED PROSPERITY

Wiring the UK and Mexico's tech and financial ecosystems

This panel will explore how the UK and Mexico can deepen collaboration between their financial and technological ecosystems to drive inclusive growth and future-focused innovation. Key discussions will include: how can London position itself as a global financial centre for Mexican companies seeking international expansion? How can London’s expertise support sustainable projects in Mexico, particularly related to urban development, infrastructure, and transportation? In the realm of FinTech, how can Mexico’s rapidly expanding market offer unique opportunities for UK companies, especially in open banking and cross-border payments? Additionally, how can stronger partnerships between tech hubs in both countries foster innovation and entrepreneurship? Finally, how can broader collaboration in professional services and education help the UK and Mexico build a future-ready workforce, ensuring competitiveness in the evolving global economy?