Convocation 5.0: North American Trilateral Policy Forum

Date & time

Mar 19-21, 2026, All Day

Location

University of Michigan

Across six sessions, Convocation 5.0 explored major policy issues shaping the future of North America, including regional security and rule of law, migration and labor mobility, trade and supply chain integration, the transformation of the automotive sector and energy systems, China's global role and implications for regional strategy, and educational and professional exchanges as tools of diplomacy. Discussions emphasized the increasing interconnection between economic competitiveness, security cooperation, workforce dynamics, and technological change, while highlighting the importance of trilateral coordination among the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The forum provided a platform for candid dialogue among ambassadors and senior practitioners, encouraging forward-looking approach on shared regional challenges without limiting the conversation to any single policy domain.

The program also featured a high-level executive reception that brought together corporate leaders from Detroit, policy experts, and elected officials, including Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, Mexico's Ambassador to the United States, Esteban Moctezuma Barragán, Representative Jennifer Conlin, and Representative Jason Morgan. By combining substantive policy sessions with immersive site visits and cross-sector engagement, Convocation 5.0 underscored the value of bringing diplomatic leaders to Michigan, with the Weiser Diplomacy Center at the University of Michigan serving as host, to examine North America's shared priorities through both strategic dialogue and firsthand exposure to the region's institutional, industrial, and innovation landscape.

Key Highlights

Regional Security and Rule of Law
Discussions focused on current security challenges, institutional cooperation, and the importance of strengthening the rule of law as a foundation for regional stability.

Migration and Labor Mobility
Participants examined migration trends and emphasized the need for coordinated approaches to advance orderly labor mobility across North America.

Trade and Supply Chains (USMCA)
The dialogue highlighted the importance of USMCA as a cornerstone of economic integration and explored opportunities to strengthen regional supply chains.

Automotive Industry
Conversations addressed the future of the automotive sector, including innovation, nearshoring, and evolving global dynamics.

China's Global Role
Participants analyzed China's growing influence and its implications for North American competitiveness.

Educational and Professional Exchange
The sessions underscored the importance of academic and professional exchanges as key tools for diplomacy and long-term relationship building.

Held across key venues at the University of Michigan, Convocation continues to serve as a dynamic platform for candid dialogue and strategic exchange, generating actionable recommendations to strengthen trilateral cooperation at a pivotal moment for the region.

A comprehensive report outlining key insights and policy recommendations will be released in the coming weeks.