Mexico’s secretary of public security, Genaro García Luna, is scheduled to address the eighth annual Border Security Conference on the campus of the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), August 15-16.

Luna is in charge of implementing Mexican President Felipe Calderón’s war against drug trafficking and organized crime, which has greatly affected the border region. He is scheduled to give the keynote address on the second day of the conference, which will focus on enhancing security along the U.S.-Mexico border while fostering economic development in both countries.

UTEP president Diana Natalicio told Borderzine,“With its location, student demographics, academic programs, research infrastructure and ties to many Mexican institutions, UTEP offers a splendid setting for sharing perspectives and promoting cross-border conversations on border security issues.”

U.S. Representative Silvestre Reyes (D., El Paso) will also host this year’s conference, entitled “Fostering a new era of U.S.–Mexico collaboration to meet 21st century challenges.”

Panelists will discuss a range of topics during the two-day conference including strengthening economic ties between the two countries and the use of technology to enhance border security.