U.S. - Mexico Binational Institutional Repository (BIR)


Organizations and Commissions

Organizations and Commissions enable collaboration, coordination, and decision-making among stakeholders. They bring together representatives from various entities, like governments, NGOs, or relevant stakeholders, to pursue shared objectives. These mechanisms offer a structured framework for ongoing engagement, discussions, and policy implementation.

  • Organizations and Commissions

    The American Society of Mexico (AmSoc) is a nonprofit organization representing the American community living in Mexico. Founded in 1942 by former United States Ambassador George S. Messersmith and American community leaders, its primary aim is to unite and support the growing American population in Mexico. It represents over two million Americans living in Mexico and American companies, NGOs, and civic organizations. AmSoc's core principles include improving communities, promoting and protecting U.S. private interests, advocating for Americans in Mexico and Mexicans in the United States, collaborating on the bilateral agenda between Mexico and the U.S., and fostering cultural exchange between the two countries.

    Institutional Implications: The American Society of Mexico (AmSoc) plays a crucial role in representing and supporting the American community living in Mexico. As a nonprofit organization, it actively collaborates with the U.S. Ambassador to Mexico and other stakeholders to advocate for Americans in Mexico and Mexicans in the United States. With its diverse board of directors and various councils and committees, AmSoc effectively addresses the needs and concerns of the American community while fostering cultural exchange between Mexico and the U.S. It remains an active organization, working towards improving communities and promoting U.S. private interests in Mexico.

    AmSoc History

  • Organizations and Commissions

    The Arizona-Mexico Commission (AMC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing Arizona's economic prosperity and quality of life through collaborations with Mexico. Initially established in 1959 as the Arizona-Mexico West Trade Commission, it underwent restructuring in 1972 to facilitate greater private-sector involvement, forming the AMC. Chaired by the Governor of Arizona, the commission focuses on advocacy, trade, networking, and information-sharing initiatives with Mexico. Over the years, the AMC has achieved significant milestones, including signing "A Shared Vision for Arizona and Sonora" in 2011, which outlines cooperative goals.
Through public-private collaborations, the Arizona-Mexico Commission strives to strengthen ties between Arizona and Mexico, benefiting both regions economically and improving residents' quality of life.

    Institutional Implications: The AMC’s focus on advocacy, trade, networking, and information-sharing initiatives has facilitated collaborations between the public and private sectors in both regions. The commission's 16 binational working committees have allowed for targeted efforts in various areas, such as agribusiness, tourism, energy, environment, and transportation. The AMC's achievements, including the signing of cooperative goals and the facilitation of important projects, demonstrate its active role in strengthening ties between Arizona and Mexico.

    Arizona-Mexico Commission

  • Organizations and Commissions

    Established in 1960, the U.S.-Mexico Interparliamentary Meetings serve as a platform for dialogue between the two nations. Delegations from the United States and Mexico, comprising members appointed by congressional leaders, come together to discuss challenges and opportunities and institutionalize cooperation. These meetings, governed by specific guidelines, advocate for the interests of governmental and non-governmental stakeholders, fostering a productive bilateral relationship.

    Institutional Implications: The U.S.-Mexico Interparliamentary Meetings, established in 1960, have had profound institutional implications, serving as a crucial platform for dialogue between the two nations. These meetings have effectively addressed challenges and opportunities, contributing to a productive bilateral relationship. By institutionalizing cooperation and advocating for diverse stakeholder interests, they have become a formal and legally grounded bilateral instrument. Today, these meetings remain active and play a pivotal role in maintaining strong diplomatic ties between the United States and Mexico.

    U.S.-Mexico Interparliamentary Meetings: An Essential Bilateral Dialogue Mechanism

  • Organizations and Commissions

    Founded in 1968 by an act of Congress, the Woodrow Wilson Center is located in Washington, DC, as part of the Smithsonian Institution. The Center's Mexico Institute is crucial in enhancing understanding, communication, and cooperation between Mexico and the United States. Through original research, public discussions, and policy proposals, the Mexico Institute contributes to the bilateral relationship's improvement.

    Institutional Implications: The Woodrow Wilson Center, founded in 1968, operates as a public/private partnership and is governed by its own Board of Trustees appointed by the U.S. President. The Center's Mexico Institute, overseen by a binational Advisory Board, is crucial in enhancing understanding and cooperation between Mexico and the United States. The Mexico Institute contributes to improving the bilateral relationship through research, discussions, and policy proposals. It is active and continues to foster collaboration between the two countries.

    About the Mexico Institute | Wilson Center

  • Organizations and Commissions

    The U.S.-Mexico Chamber of Commerce (USMCOC) is a nonprofit business association founded in 1973 to promote trade, investment, and joint ventures between the two countries. Operating as a binational organization with offices in Washington, D.C., and Mexico City.

    Institutional Implications: The USMCOC is crucial in promoting economic cooperation and business relations between the United States and Mexico. As a nonprofit organization, it serves as a platform for advocating the interests of the private sectors in both countries and facilitates trade, investment, and joint ventures. The chamber actively promotes cross-border business opportunities with its regional chapters and partnerships.

    U.S. - Mexico Chamber of Commerce

  • Organizations and Commissions

    The Binational Migrant Education Initiative (BMEI) was established in 1976 as a collaborative effort between border states in the United States and Mexico. Its primary objective is to address the educational needs of students who migrate between the two countries. The initiative aims to promote educational continuity for migrant students and improve their educational opportunities. In 1990, the Departments of Education in the United States and Mexico signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen cooperation in enhancing primary, secondary, and postsecondary education. Annex V to the MOU, signed in 1998, reaffirmed the commitment to promote cooperation and coordination between the two countries. This led to the Office of Migrant Education (OME) encouraging more state migrant programs to participate in binational activities and providing support through coordination funds. The OME plays a leadership role in supporting the effective administration and operation of the Migrant Education Program (MEP) through the BMEI. The objectives of the OME's involvement in the BMEI are to strengthen coordination among participating states, foster dialogue and information sharing between educators of migrant students in the U.S. and Mexico and contribute to the implementation of binational cooperation in education.

    Institutional Implications: The BMEI has fostered collaboration between the Departments of Education in the United States and Mexico, leading to the signing of an MOU in 1990. This MOU has encouraged joint activities at the federal, state, local, and institutional levels, promoting educational continuity and improving opportunities for migrant students. The Office of Migrant Education (OME) is crucial in supporting the effective administration and operation of the Migrant Education Program (MEP) through the BMEI.

    Binational Migrant Education Initiative (BMEI)

  • Organizations and Commissions

    The Center for U.S.-Mexican Studies (USMEX) is at the U.C. San Diego School of Global Policy and Strategy. Established in 1980, USMEX specializes in examining Mexico and the diverse range of issues impacting economic, social, and political relations between Mexico and the United States. As a center dedicated to rigorous academic research, USMEX contributes to developing, implementing, and evaluating public policies. Its unique border location makes it an invaluable source of research on Mexico, Mexicans in the U.S., and the U.S.-Mexico relationship.

    Institutional Implications: The USMEX at U.C. San Diego School of Global Policy and Strategy is an influential academic research center. Its strategic border location enhances research on Mexico, Mexicans in the U.S., and the U.S.-Mexico relationship. USMEX actively shapes public policies and promotes understanding and cooperation between the two nations. By fostering educational initiatives, it cultivates scholars, policymakers, and leaders with a deep understanding of Mexico. USMEX serves as a bridge between academia and policymaking, contributing to informed decision-making and positive bilateral relations.

    About USMEX

  • Organizations and Commissions

    The U.S.-Mexico Binational Commission (BNC) was established in 1981 as a platform for high-level exchanges between the two countries. It comprises an annual meeting chaired by the U.S. Secretary of State and the Mexican Secretary of Foreign Relations. The BNC includes 14 working groups and two subgroups that cover various topics, fostering increased contacts and cooperation at different government levels.

    Institutional Implications: The establishment of the BNC created a platform for high-level exchanges between the two countries, promoting increased contacts and cooperation at different government levels. The BNC's annual meeting, facilitates dialogue and collaboration on various topics.

    Fact Sheet: U.S.-Mexico Binational Commission

  • Organizations and Commissions

    COMEXUS is a binational organization established in 1990 through an agreement between the governments of Mexico and the United States. Its primary objective is to promote bilateral understanding through educational and cultural exchange programs. The organization offers scholarships to individuals who demonstrate academic excellence, administering the Fulbright-García Robles scholarships, which support Mexican and American students, researchers, and teachers in pursuing various educational and professional opportunities. Both government and private donations fund these scholarships.

    Institutional Implications: COMEXUS has been crucial in promoting bilateral understanding between Mexico and the United States through educational and cultural exchange programs. The organization's administration of the Fulbright-García Robles scholarships, funded by government and private donations, has facilitated valuable educational and cultural exchanges between the two countries. With over 4,500 recipients in the past three decades, COMEXUS has made a lasting impact on promoting academic excellence and fostering international cooperation. This organization is still active today.

    COMEXUS

  • Organizations and Commissions

    The US-Mexico Foundation for Science (USMFS) promotes collaboration in science, technology, and innovation between the U.S. and Mexico. It supports projects driving social and economic development, particularly in education, entrepreneurship, and business. As an expert agency, the USMFS identifies trends, facilitates collaboration, and contributes to the well-being of rural and marginalized communities. It also acts as a fiduciary agent for sustainable development projects.

    Institutional Implications: The USMFS has significant institutional implications as it fosters collaboration and development between the U.S. and Mexico. Its role as a fiduciary agent for sustainable development projects highlights its commitment to the well-being of rural and marginalized communities.

    USMFS History

  • Organizations and Commissions

    The Smart Border Coalition was established in 2007 to advocate for an efficient and welcoming border between San Diego and Tijuana. Operating independently under the San Diego Foundation, it seeks to promote the binational economy while reshaping perceptions about the US-Mexico border. Inspired by San Diego Dialogue, the coalition collaborates with various stakeholders to improve border crossings.

    Institutional Implications: The Smart Border Coalition advocates for an efficient and welcoming border between San Diego and Tijuana. Collaborating with various stakeholders aims to reshape perceptions about the US-Mexico border and promote the binational economy.

    Smart Border Coalition

  • Organizations and Commissions

    The U.S. Mexico Foundation (USMF) is a binational non-profit organization dedicated to fostering cooperation and bilateral understanding between the United States and Mexico. Rooted in the North America Free Trade Agreement and launched in 2009 with seed funds from the David & Lucile Packard Foundation, Carnegie Corporation, and the Business Foundation in Mexico (Fundemex).

    The USMF is governed by a bi-national board consisting of business and civic leaders, with extensive networks in the U.S. and Mexico. The USMF embarked on a new chapter in 2018, with a compelling agenda that prioritizes policy and advocacy. The organization is focused on creating new strategic alliances, educating important stakeholders, and providing a voice on the most relevant issues concerning the U.S.-Mexico relationship.

    Our Vision is to be an effective bridge for greater binational understanding and cooperation, contributing to improved quality of life and social equity in Mexico.

    Our Mission is to promote binational understanding and collaboration between the United States and Mexico.

    We execute our mission in two different ways:

    * Operating programs and creating research documents with recommendations.

    * Promoting constructive dialogue on key topics of binational interest.

    About the USMF

  • Organizations and Commissions

    Border 2012 is a collaborative effort between multiple agencies and communities in the United States and Mexico. The 2010 Border Report provides information on the environmental quality and health of the border region. It serves as a progress report for the U.S.-Mexico Border 2012 program, identifying areas for further collaboration. The report emphasizes the importance of cross-border cooperation in addressing environmental issues.

    Institutional Implications: Border 2012 has significant institutional implications as it involves multiple agencies and communities working together to address environmental issues in the U.S.-Mexico border region. The collaborative effort highlights the importance of cross-border cooperation. This suggests ongoing institutional support and commitment to addressing environmental quality and health in the border region.

    Border 2012: U.S. - Mexico Environmental Program, State of the Border Region Indicators Report 2010

  • Organizations and Commissions

    US-Mexico360 is a citizen diplomacy program that allows leaders from various sectors to travel between the US and Mexico. Participants engage in cultural immersion and explore topics related to the bilateral relationship. The program aims to foster a closer relationship between the two countries. The trips are organized by several organizations and partially supported by various Mexican entities.

    Institutional Implications: The US-Mexico360 citizen diplomacy program promotes a closer relationship between the two countries by facilitating travel and cultural immersion between the US and Mexico. The involvement of multiple organizations and support from Mexican entities highlights the institutional commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and fostering collaboration across various sectors.

    US Mexico 360 — US-Mexico Foundation

  • Organizations and Commissions

    The Border 2020 U.S.-Mexico Environmental Program is a binational effort aimed at addressing environmental and public health issues along the U.S.-Mexico border. It integrated six fundamental strategies: improving children's health, building climate change resiliency, protecting disadvantaged and underserved communities, promoting environmental awareness, enhancing environmental health, and strengthening partnerships among tribal, state, federal, and international entities. Key participating organizations included the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Mexico's Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT), the Border Environment Cooperation Commission (BECC), and the North American Development Bank (NADB). The program targeted air pollution reduction, clean water access, responsible waste management, preparedness for environmental response, compliance assurance, and pollution prevention. It employed tools like public health interventions, sustainable water management, regulation, enforcement, education, and infrastructure planning.

    Institutional Implications: The Border 2020 U.S.-Mexico Environmental Program involved multiple institutions and organizations, that work together to address environmental and public health issues along the U.S.-Mexico border. The program emphasized the importance of local-level decision-making and collaboration among tribal, state, federal, and international entities.

    Border 2020 Program Summary

  • Organizations and Commissions

    The Rio Bravo Congressional Fellowship is a non-partisan program that brings together US and Mexican congressional staffers and experts to discuss important issues related to the bilateral relationship. This unpaid fellowship offers monthly off-the-record master classes led by guest speakers, covering economic interdependence, security, migration, and soft power topics. The aim is to foster a deeper understanding and collaboration between the two countries.

    Institutional Implications: The Rio Bravo Congressional Fellowship facilitates open discussions on key issues by bringing together congressional staffers and experts from both countries, fostering a deeper understanding and collaboration. The fellowship's focus on economic interdependence, security, migration, and soft power ensures that important topics are addressed, potentially leading to more effective policies and initiatives in the binational relationship.

    Rio Bravo Congressional Fellowship — US-Mexico Foundation

  • Organizations and Commissions

    The Center for Binational Institutions (CBI) is an initiative by the U.S.-Mexico Foundation that supports and enhances binational institutions between the US and Mexico. It recognizes the importance of robust bilateral institutions in maintaining a stable and positive relationship. The CBI analyzes binational issues through an institutional lens, aiming to provide a comprehensive overview of the institutional framework that underpins the U.S.-Mexico relationship. It emphasizes the vital role of binational institutions in promoting mutual understanding, prosperity, and security.

    Institutional Implications: The Center for Binational Institutions (CBI) plays a crucial role in shaping the institutional framework of the U.S.-Mexico relationship. This initiative by the U.S.-Mexico Foundation recognizes the need for a comprehensive overview of the institutional implications on the binational relationship, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a stable and positive partnership between the two countries.

    About — Center for Binational Institutions

  • Organizations and Commissions

    The U.S.-Mexico Foundation (USMF) partnered with the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Institute to promote science, technology, and innovation cooperation in North America following the entry into force of the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA). The USMF hosts the C26+ Workshop, bringing experts from Mexico, the United States, and Canada to discuss how USMCA's Chapter 26 on Competitiveness can enhance economic cooperation and digital competitiveness in the region. The workshop led to the creation of the C26+ Group, a select group of stakeholders aiming to improve opportunities in North America during the first review of the USMCA. The USMF's Technology, Innovation, and Policy program seeks to establish a new Council named "Chapter 26" to further enhance regional collaboration and opportunities.

    Institutional Implications: The creation of the C26+ Group demonstrates a commitment to enhancing economic cooperation and digital competitiveness in North America. These institutional initiatives aim to leverage the opportunities the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement provides and promote science, technology, and innovation cooperation in the region.

    Chapter 26+ — US-Mexico Foundation

  • Organizations and Commissions

    The Americas Competitiveness Exchange (ACE) is a prestigious event organized by the Organization of American States (OAS) that brings together influential government, business, and policy leaders across the Americas. Participants engage in a week-long program to explore economic development models, innovation hubs, and advanced technology centers. The program aims to enhance American competitiveness, promote sustainable economic development, and increase trade and investment opportunities. The U.S.-Mexico Foundation (USMF) supported the ACE program in Colorado and Louisiana to attract talented individuals from Mexico's public, private, and academic sectors.

    Institutional Implications: The ACE program fosters collaboration and knowledge sharing by bringing together influential leaders from government, business, and policy sectors, ultimately enhancing competitiveness in the Americas. Additionally, the support from the USMF in attracting talented individuals from Mexico's sectors strengthens the ties between the two countries and promotes sustainable economic development, trade, and investment opportunities.

    ACE + USMF — US-Mexico Foundation

  • Organizations and Commissions

    "Proyecto 1954" is a captivating US-Mexico Foundation podcast hosted by Enrique Perret. This podcast offers a collection of insightful interviews with individuals deeply engaged in the intricate relationship between Mexico and the United States. The title, "Proyecto 1954," symbolizes the 1954 miles both separating and connecting these two nations, highlighting the significance of their bond.

    Institutional Implications: The podcast "Proyecto 1954" sheds light on the institutional implications of the binational relationship between Mexico and the United States. Through insightful interviews, it explores the intricate dynamics and complexities that shape this vital partnership.

    Proyecto 1954: Podcast — US-Mexico Foundation

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