Programme 2026
Kouvola Security Conference
Time 11th September 2026, 10.00 – 16.00
Place Kouvola City Hall, Torikatu 10, Kouvola
Follow live stream from City of Kouvola YouTube or watch direct also from Yle Areena (stream links will be open later).
A New Security Reality – Cooperation and Understanding in a Complex World
This year, the event theme is going to explore what the new security reality looks like as the world order seeks a new form amid great power competition, technological developments, energy issues and changes in security policy.
#KouvolaSecurity #KouvolaSecurity2026
Please note: For the benefit of our international guests the speeches and discussions are translated into English at the City Hall.
* We reserve the right to make changes to the programme.
Host Marja Sannikka, Journalist, Senior Advisor, Miltton
Programme
9.00 Registration and morning coffee
10.00 Opening words
Keynote Speeches
10.05 Keynote: Elina Valtonen, Minister for Foreign Affairs
10.25 Keynote: General Janne Jaakkola, Commander of the Finnish Defence Forces
10.45 Keynote (ENG): General Sir Richard Shirreff, DSACEUR, Former Deputy Commander of NATO Forces in Europe
11.05 Panel Discussion
Security in an era of ongoing disruption – What does the new security reality demand?
Security is in a state of constant change, and the new security landscape leaves no room for old assumptions. Uncertainty, direct threats, and information influencing raise the question of what we can still trust and what the new security reality demands of decision-makers, individuals, and international cooperation. How do we cope with constant uncertainty, and what choices will determine the direction of security in the future?
Speakers
- Katri Saarikivi, Neuroscientist, Ph.D. in psychology
- Kaisa Rönkkö, Dean, Sibelius Academy, University of the Arts Helsinki
The remaining panelists will be announced at a later date.
11.45 Break
12.45 Thematic Discussions
Parallel Thematic Sessions (choose one)
From Security to Industry – Defence Industry as an engine of Growth (Room 1)
The discussion will feature perspectives from the defence industry and public administration on how innovation in the sector impacts economic growth.
The panelists will be announced at a later date.
Logistics during a crisis – is Finland resilient enough? (Room 2)
The new security reality places logistical connections at the center of national security. For Finland, which is essentially dependent on maritime transport, disruptions to sea routes can quickly lead to isolation.
Participants in the discussion include:
- Minna Nenonen, Executive Director, Finnish Reserve Officers´ Association
- Jarmo Ainasoja, Director, Storage and Logistics Services, Finland, Posti
- Katriina Viljanen, Specialist, National Emergency Supply Agency
Moderator: To be confirmed
13.45 Break
14.15 Simulation and Panel Discussion: Society in the Midst of a Crisis
How does talk of resilience translate into practical solutions? In this discussion, preparedness is not examined merely through slides or words. A crisis simulation places both the panelists and the audience in the midst of a fictional yet realistic scenario that challenges various sectors of society to take action. The situation unfolds step by step, and the audience gets to experience the events immersively as they unfold. At the same time, the panelists are forced to consider how they should act in a rapidly changing situation. The panelists represent sectors and organizations whose continued operational capacity is critical to society in a crisis situation.
15.00 Political Party Debate
Leading decision-makers from the parliamentary parties will discuss the future of security policy.
More detailed programme information will be published later.
15.45 Closing Remarks
16.00 City Reception, Kouvola City Hall
Updated 12.6.2026