Programme 2025

Kouvola Security Conference

September 12th, 2025, Kouvola City Hall

Follow live stream from City of Kouvola YouTube or watch direct from Yle Areena
(stream links will be open later).

This year, the event theme is going to explore emerging global (in)stability and its impact on Finland and the broader European context.

#KouvolaSecurity #KouvolaSecurity2025

Please note: For the benefit of our international guests the speeches and discussions are translated into English.

9.00
Registration and morning coffee

10.00
Opening of the conference
Host Marja Sannikka, Journalist, Senior Advisor, Miltton 

10.05            
Keynote (ENG)
Antti Häkkänen, Minister of Defence  

10.20 
Keynote (ENG)
Elisabeth Braw, Senior Fellow with the Atlantic Council’s Transatlantic Security Initiative in the Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security  

10.40
Keynote (ENG)
Oleksandr Kamyshin, Advisor to the President of Ukraine on Strategic Issue

10.55
Transition

11.00–12.00
THEMED DISCUSSIONS PART I
The themed discussions run simultaneously during the event in different locations.

I Discussion: UNCERTAINTY IS THE NEW NORMAL – HOW IS FINLAND PREPARING? (FIN)

If a crisis strikes, are we ready? That is the question we are seeking an answer to right now. You are warmly welcome to join the discussion and hear about preparedness and security of supply. 

Introduction of the discussion:
Jukka Savolainen,
COI Director, Hybrid CoE 

Discussing:

  • Kati Nyman, Executive Vice President, Corporate Chief of Staff, Elisa 
  • Juha Marttila, Chairman of the Board, MTK  
  • Jaakko Pekki, Executive Vice President, Operations, National Emergency Supply Agency 
  • Liisa Hurme, President and CEO, Orion Pharma 

Facilitator: Jouni Kemppainen, Editor in Chief, Maaseudun tulevaisuus 

II Discussion: SECURITY TECHNOLOGY IN TRANSITION – WHAT DOES THE NEW ERA DEMAND? (FIN)
Follow live stream (stream link will be open later).

Security is no longer just about troops and equipment – it increasingly relies on software, systems, and capabilities built on technology.  

Introduction of the discussion (video message):
Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy

Discussing:

  • Tuija Karanko, Secretary General, PIA  
  • Seppo Aaltonen, VP, NATP & NORDICS, Mission Systems, ICEYE 
  • Timo Levo, Global Defense Lead, Accenture
  • Markus Ranne, Senior Advisor, Business Finland

Facilitator:  Kaius Niemi, Deputy CEO Miltton Group

12.00–13.00 Break

13.00–14.00
THEME DISCUSSIONS PART II
The themed discussions run simultaneously during the event in different locations. 

III Discussion (ENG): CAN EUROPE DELIVER ON DEFENCE? FROM PROMISES TO PRODUCTION

Europe is at a turning point. With rising tensions and war on the continent, nations are pledging historic defence investments. But can they deliver, and fast enough?

Introduction of the discussion:
Esa Rautalinko, CEO, Patria  

Discussing:

  • Esa Rautalinko, CEO, Patria 
  • Eero Heinäluoma , Member of the European Parliament 
  • Jonas Cederlöf , Deputy Head of Unit, DG DEFIS

Facilitator:  Kaius Niemi, Deputy CEO, Miltton Group

IV Discussion (FIN): HOW DO WE SUPPORT
THE WILL TO DEFEND?

Follow live stream (stream link will be open later).

What must be done to preserve the will to defend? What needs to change to ensure we hold on to that will? 

Introduction of the discussion:
Miina Kaarkoski, Senior Researcher at the Finnish Defence Research Agency

Discussing:

  • Timo Kivinen, Former Commander of the Finnish Defence Forces, retired General
  • Minna Nenonen, Executive Director, The Finnish Reservists’ Association 
  • Emilia Uljas, EU Youth Delegate of Finlan

Facilitator: Panu Mäenpää, Director Senior Advisor, Miltton

14.00  Break

14.30
NATO AMID CRISES – IS THE ALLIANCE CRUMBLING OR GROWING STRONGER? (FIN)

How is NATO changing in the midst of turmoil? Is Europe stepping up while the United States pulls back? How much can Finland rely on NATO?  

Introduction of the discussion: 
Pasi Välimäki, Lieutenant General, Commander of the Finnish Army 

Discussing:

Charly Salonius-Pasternak , CEO, Nordic West Office 
Iro Särkkä, Senior Research Fellow, FIIA 
Jarmo Lindberg, General (ret.), Member of Parliament 
Li Andersson, Member of the European Parliament 

Facilitator: Marja Sannikka 

15.30 Closing remarks
Ville Kaunisto, MP, Head of Kouvola City Council

15.45–17.00 City Reception  
Kouvola City Hall 

Updated 11.9.2025