**NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED**

Guest Speaker: Sergio Alcocer, Ph.D., Research Professor, Institute of Engineering – National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM)

The relation between the United States and Mexico is one of the most dynamic, diverse and complex of any relation between neighboring countries. Whether we examine human interaction across the border region; trade and value chain integration well inside our countries; security at large; and shared management of ecosystems, just to mention a few topics, the breadth and intensity of our intertwined relation is both impressive and mesmerizing.

This era could be characterized by rapid and uncertain changes due to the convergence of technologies; the impact of fake news and social media on people´s perceptions and decisions; society´s tiredness and frustration of unequal access to opportunities and development; the fast integration of countries in regions to compete on the basis of knowledge; and, the global dynamism that pushes our national identities aside.

It is the aim of this talk to highlight the significant role that Mexican and American universities can play to harness common opportunities, to build bridges between our societies and for developing a region of shared prosperity and social well-being, all supported by education, research and innovation. The critical importance of universities, like UT San Antonio, in educating students from all over the world will be emphasized.