Security as a Driver of Growth
A high-level dialogue platform connecting foreign and security policy expertise with practical business experience to strengthen the competitiveness and resilience of Latvian and Baltic companies, and their capacity to seize new opportunities in investment, exports, innovation and partnerships.
New venue: Small hall, University of Latvia
Raiņa bulvāris 19, Riga
8:30-9:00
Registration & coffee
9:00-9:30
OPENING REMARKS
- Jānis Karlsbergs, Head of the Board of the Latvian Transatlantic Organisation
- Raivis Melnis, Minister of Defence of the Republic of Latvia
Master of Ceremonies: Edgars Sniedze Stillers
9:00-9:30
Business in an Era of Geopolitical Competition
The world is changing faster than most business strategies can keep up. Geopolitical competition, economic fragmentation, technological disruption and security challenges are no longer distant policy issues, they directly shape markets, investments, supply chains and corporate decision-making. The rules of doing business are being rewritten. Security, technology, trade and finance are becoming increasingly interconnected, creating both new risks and unprecedented opportunities. A forward-looking perspective on the global forces reshaping the business environment and how companies can position themselves to thrive amid geopolitical change. What they mean for Latvia and the Baltic region, and where new opportunities are emerging for those prepared to adapt?
9:30-10:30
Plenary Session
- David M. Cattler, Senior Fellow with the Transatlantic Defense and Security Program at the Center for European Policy Analysis
- Agnieszka Homanska, Head of Cabinet of the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs Radoslaw Sikorski, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Poland
- Ingmārs Pūķis, Vice President, Chief Marketing and Business Development Officer, Member of the Management Board, LMT
-
Anna Hardage, Deputy Director for American Security, Policy Lead for U.S. and European Union Security and Defense policy at the America First Policy Institute
- Moderator: Andris Kužnieks, Head of the European Commission Representation in Latvia
10:30-11:00
Coffee Break
Financing Resilience and Growth
Geopolitical uncertainty is reshaping investment decisions, access to capital and the cost of doing business. As security considerations become increasingly important for investors and financial institutions, businesses must navigate a changing investment landscape while identifying new sources of financing for growth and transformation. Commercial finance, institutional investors, insurance solutions and European funding instruments all have a critical role in strengthening resilience, competitiveness and long-term economic development.
11:00-12:30
Plenary Session
- Paulina Brzezicka, the Head of the European Investment Bank (EIB) Group Office in Riga
- Arnis Škapars, Head of Retail Banking, Management Board Member, SEB Latvia
- Maija Celmiņa, Policy Assistant, Cabinet of the Commissioner for Economy and Productivity, for Implementation and Simplification Valdis Dombrovskis of the European Commission
- Sintija Radionova, Partner, Attorney at Law, WALLESS
- Moderator: Andris Strazds, Head of General Secretariat of the Bank of Latvia
12:30-13:30
Lunch Break
13:30-13:45
Key-Note Speech
Building Business Resilience: From Risk Management to Strategic Advantage
Resilience is no longer simply about managing risk, it has to become a strategic advantage. As geopolitical uncertainty increasingly affects business operations, companies must strengthen their ability to anticipate disruptions, secure supply chains, protect critical infrastructure and build cyber resilience. Practical approaches to business continuity, strategic planning and public-private cooperation can help transform resilience into a driver of long-term competitiveness.
13:45-14:45
Plenary Session
- Artis Pabriks, Chairperson of the Board at MilTech
- José Bayón, Director of Institutional Relations at the Santa Bárbara Sistemas (GDELS)
- Ilze Znotiņa, Attorney-at-Law; Founder, RIZEN RIGA
- Moderator: Dr. Shota Gvineria, Senior Fellow at Delphi Global
14:45-15:15
Coffee Break
Defence, Dual-Use Innovation and New Industrial Opportunities
Europe's renewed focus on security and defence is creating one of the fastest-growing industrial ecosystems of the coming decade. Beyond traditional defence companies, opportunities are emerging for businesses developing advanced manufacturing, digital solutions, AI, cybersecurity, logistics and other dual-use technologies. Stronger collaboration between industry, governments, research institutions and international partners can help Latvian and Baltic companies access new markets, funding opportunities and global supply chains.
15:15-16:15
Plenary Session
- Jānis Garisons, Chief Executive Officer NEWT21
- Mārcis Dzelme, Research Fellow at the Think Tank “LV PEAK”, University of Latvia
- Natalja Lernere, Senior Business Development Manager at Redwire Defense Technologies
- Moderator: Dr. Louise Tumchewics, Assistant Professor, Royal Danish Defence College, Institute for Military Technology
16:15-16:30
Coffee Break
What Must Governments and Businesses Do Together in Competing Global Economy?
Strengthening economic resilience requires a shared vision and coordinated action across government, business and international partners. Closer cooperation can help improve the investment climate, support strategic industries, strengthen public-private partnerships and create the conditions for sustainable economic growth. A forward-looking perspective on the priorities that will shape Latvia's competitiveness and resilience in an increasingly complex geopolitical environment.
16:30-17:30
Plenary Session
- Airis Rikveilis, State Secretary of the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Latvia
- Vita Balode Andrews, Director of the Export and Innovation Services Department Investment and Development Agency of Latvia
-
Dr. Balkan Devlen, Co-Founder and Principal, Pendulum Geopolitical Advisory
- Joshua Stinson, Co-President & Chief Growth Officer, Redwire Defense
- Moderator: Rebecca Christie, Senior Fellow at Bruegel
Key-Note Speeches
17:45-18:15
- H.E. Baiba Braže, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia
- H.E. Elina Valtonen, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland
18:15
Closing Remarks by Prof. Gundars Bērziņš, Rector of the University of Latvia
18:30
Reception