4400 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016
partnerships@american.edu

Agenda

Reference the agenda below for an overview of the conference. Panelists and speakers will include leading experts from AU’s faculty, business leaders, and the broader Washington trade expert community.

Speaker: Shannon Hader, Dean of American University’s School of International Service

Moderator: Robert Koopman

Panelists: Antoni Estevadeordal, Hyun-jung “Jessie” Je, and Jake Colvin

The realignment of trade has introduced uncertainty into the global supply chain system and the governance of trade, affecting both private firms and policymakers. Given the unprecedented nature of the challenges, firms are rethinking how they navigate the complexities of trade policy, geopolitical risks, and supply chain management.

Q&A to follow. 

Moderator: Robert Koopman

Speaker: Stuart Sandlin

Imagine a world where goods move seamlessly across oceans, making our favorite products available at our doorstep. This session will break down the magic behind those big metal boxes you see on ships and explain how containerized shipping revolutionized the way we transport goods. Contextualizing how containerized shipping is navigating challenges like geopolitical tensions and climate disruptions, affecting the global movement of goods, causing port delays, and driving costs upwards.

Q&A to follow.

Enjoy coffee, tea, pastries, and more

Moderator: Earl Anthony Wayne

Panelists: Adrián Nador, Catalina Crespo-Sancho, and Gerónimo Gutiérrez Fernández

The current geopolitical relations and trade realignments reflect the changing dynamics of global affairs and international diplomacy amid uncertainties. The recent reconfiguration of trade, with renewed focus on nearshoring and friendshoring strategies has significant diplomatic implications beyond commercial policies. Come hear from current representatives from Argentina and Costa Rica, as well as former Mexican Ambassador to the United States.

Q&A to follow. 

Enjoy food, sponsored by Hapag Lloyd

Speaker: Alan Wm. Wolff

Amb. Alan Wm. Wolff has written extensively on the functioning of the multilateral trading system, the importance of economic interdependence, trade liberalization, and the need for reforms to improve the trade regulatory environment.

Q&A to follow.

Moderator: Han-koo Yeo

Panelists: Jason Oxman, John McCown, Leila Aridi Anas, and Stephanie Murphy

Businesses are finding it necessary to adapt their business models and supply chain strategies to this era of disruptive economic, social and policy shocks. Firms are examining their supply chain agility and resilience. Some firms seem to be diversifying sourcing and others are reinforcing existing supply chains. At the same time rapid technological change and logistical solutions are offering opportunities to manage supply chains to enhance competitiveness.  In this session we will hear from firms on their varying approaches to this new, disruptive enviroment.
 
Q&A to follow. 

Speaker: Anabel González

The transformation of global trade dynamics is offering many developing countries the opportunity to enhance their competitiveness in international markets and forge new alliance as major trade relations like the US-China are disrupted. Heightened trade movements in Latin America and some Asian countries spur a critical evaluation of whether there is currently a reconstruction of global trade networks or a shift towards fragmentation. What is needed to take advantage of these opportunities? Are there important policy and legal gaps that need to be filled to secure these opportunities for the longer term?

Q&A to follow.

Enjoy sparkling water, tea, pastries, and more

Speaker: Padideh Ala’i

The intersection of national security concerns and trade policy, both within the U.S. and globally, with a focus on current geopolitical and international security, and potential strategies to navigate these rising pressures.

Q&A to follow.

Moderator: Michelle Egan

Panelists: Adam Hersh, Inu Nanak, and Mary E. Lovely

What do the latest trends and challenges in global trade mean for a sustainable and inclusive future for international commerce? The ongoing global pressures and global security concerns raise the specter of continued disruption of the existing trade order.  Where might this lead global and regional cooperation and how might this reconfigured system address the challenges of climate change, national economic security, and inclusive economic development?

Q&A to follow. 

Speaker: Robert Koopman

Free and open to the public.