ITC hosts the 27th InterAmerican Conference of Mayors & Local Authorities in Miami-Dade County

The Miami-Dade County International Trade Consortium (ITC) successfully held the 27th InterAmerican Conference of Mayors & Local Authorities on September 29–30, 2025, bringing together over 300 government officials and institutional leaders, including more than 40 mayors from 21 countries across Latin America and the Caribbean. Organized by the ITC in collaboration with Florida International University (FIU), the event reaffirmed Miami-Dade County’s global leadership in promoting innovation, trade, sustainability, and governance, reaffirming its role as a hemispheric hub for municipal collaboration and development. 

The conference opened at the InterContinental Doral with welcoming remarks from The Honorable Christi Fraga, Mayor of the City of Doral, followed by a keynote address from Jeff Hoffman, Entrepreneur, Author, and CEO, who spoke on Innovation, Tourism, and Local Leadership — highlighting how cities can leverage technology and entrepreneurship to create jobs, attract investment, and expand global visibility.

The first panel, “Smart Governance – Digital Transformation for Public Sector Efficiency,” was moderated by The Honorable Natalie Milian Orbis, Commissioner, District 6, Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners. Panelists included The Honorable Dariel Fernandez, Tax Collector, Miami-Dade County; The Honorable Vince Lago, Mayor of Coral Gables; The Honorable Henry Esmildo Flores Ceron, Mayor of Santa Tecla, El Salvador; and Namita Uppal, Director of Strategic Procurement, Miami-Dade County. Panelists discussed how governments are embracing digital tools, artificial intelligence, and e-governance to enhance transparency, citizen engagement, and institutional efficiency.

The second session, “Tourism – Aviation and Cruise Industry Growth,” was moderated by Rolando Aedo, Chief Operating Officer of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (Visit Miami). Panelists included The Honorable Eduardo Kery Metivier, Mayor of La Romana, Dominican Republic; The Honorable Raymundo Ortiz Diaz, Mayor of San Pedro de Macorís, Dominican Republic; Ralph Cutié, Director and CEO of Miami International Airport (MIA); Richard De Villiers, Assistant to the Director of PortMiami; and Jeff Hoffman, Entrepreneur, Author, and CEO. The discussion covered new air routes, port infrastructure, sustainable tourism practices, and innovation to enhance the traveler experience.

During the networking luncheon, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and ITC Chairman Oliver G. Gilbert III formally welcomed delegates, underscoring Miami-Dade’s leadership in fostering global collaboration and exchange. The Honorable Nelson Núñez, Mayor of Samaná and President of the Federación Dominicana de Municipios (FEDOMU), delivered remarks emphasizing the importance of municipal cooperation and regional solidarity.

The afternoon featured Panel 3: “The New Trends in Bilateral Trade – FTZs and Tariffs,” moderated by Jenniffer Diaz, Founder of Diaz Trade Law. Panelists included Alice Ancona, COO of the World Trade Center Miami and ITC Board Member; Lenny Feldman, representing the Florida Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association and ITC Board Member; Emir Pineda, Director of Air Service Development, Miami International Airport; Eric Olafson, Director of Global Trade and Business Development, PortMiami; Gerard Philippeaux, Executive Director, ITC; and Liane Ventura, Senior Vice President, Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce. The discussion focused on nearshoring, digital trade, supply chain diversification, and green trade practices as tools to build resilient trade partnerships.

The day concluded with Panel 4: “Challenges and Solutions of Modern-Day Transportation,” moderated by Alice Bravo, President and CEO of Alice Bravo & Associates. Panelists included Aileen Bouclé, Executive Director, Miami-Dade Transportation Planning Organization; Wendy Conforme, CEO of Miami Tunnel; and Javier Betancourt, Executive Director, Citizens’ Independent Transportation Trust, Miami-Dade County. They addressed congestion, infrastructure gaps, sustainability, and emerging smart mobility strategies for growing urban regions.

A highlight of the day was the signing of a Sister Cities International Agreement between Miami-Dade County and Georgetown, Guyana, signed by Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Commissioner Oliver G. Gilbert III, and Mayor Alfred Mentore. Additionally, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed with Minas Gerais, Brazil, strengthening regional ties and collaboration in innovation, trade, and sustainable development.

Day two of the conference was held at Florida International University (FIU) and focused on resilience, sustainability, and leadership in a changing world. The day opened with welcoming remarks from Commissioner Juan Carlos Bermudez (District 12, Miami-Dade County; Vice Chairman, ITC) and Anthony Rionda, Associate Vice President, FIU, both highlighting Miami-Dade’s role in building hemispheric partnerships and advancing municipal innovation.

The morning featured three case studies: Thiago Borges David, Climate & Sustainable Finance Expert (Brazil), who explored innovative financing models for climate resilience; Moishe Mana, Founder and Chairman of Mana Common, who introduced the Tech Cities of the Americas Alliance; and The Honorable Dío Astacio, Mayor of Santo Domingo del Este, Dominican Republic, who discussed smart governance and local leadership in urban development.

A major highlight of the day was the panel “Disaster Management in a Changing World,” moderated by Maricarmen Estrada, Director, CIFAL Miami. Panelists included Commissioner René Garcia (District 13, Miami-Dade County); Sheriff Rosanna Cordero-Stutz; Pete Gomez, Director, Miami-Dade Emergency Management; Luis Manuel García Moreno, State of Chiapas, Mexico; and Dr. Mary Showstark, Health Tech Without Borders. The discussion underscored the importance of preparedness, intergovernmental coordination, and technology-driven solutions to strengthen resilience against climate-related disasters.

In the afternoon, Dr. Aneisha Daniel, Ph.D., Director, Miami-Dade Department of Solid Waste Management, presented a case study on sustainable waste management and circular economy practices, offering practical strategies for local governments to adopt greener policies. The conference concluded with a virtual tour of FIU’s Wall of Wind Experimental Facility, a state-of-the-art research center for hurricane and disaster preparedness, followed by the presentation of participation certificates to attending mayors and officials.

Mayor Daniella Levine Cava stated, “Miami-Dade County continues to be the meeting point for ideas, innovation, and leadership across the hemisphere. Through forums like the InterAmerican Conference, we strengthen our shared vision for sustainable, inclusive growth across all our communities.”

Oliver G. Gilbert III, Chairman of the ITC, added, “Our role at ITC is to build bridges — between cities, nations, and ideas. This year’s conference reaffirmed that collaboration and innovation are key to shaping a resilient and prosperous future for the Americas.” ITC extends its gratitude to all sponsors, trade and diplomatic partners, and institutional collaborators for their continued support, and a special thanks to ITC Board Member Jacqueline Del Cristo for serving as emcee and providing leadership throughout the event. 

About the InterAmerican Conference of Mayors & Local Authorities

Founded in 1996, the InterAmerican Conference of Mayors & Local Authorities was established to bring together key elected officials from Latin America and the Caribbean to discuss emerging trends, exchange best practices, and strengthen cooperation with Miami-Dade County on issues of shared interest.

For more information, visit miamidade.gov/international-trade/interamerican-conference. 

Photos and Conference Materials

• View Day 1 Photo Gallery
• View Day 2 Photo Gallery
• Download the Conference Program Book
• Visit the Conference Website