Programme 2025

Kouvola Security Conference

September 12th, 2025
Kouvola City Hall

Follow live stream from City of Kouvola YouTube or 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

9.30
Registration and morning coffee

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

10.05            
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  

10.50
Transition

11.30  
THEMED DISCUSSIONS PART I
The themed discussions run simultaneously twice during the event. The participants have an opportunity to choose two out of four themed discussions to attend. Follow live stream (stream links will be open later).

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:

  • Jaakko Wallenius, Chief Security Officer, Elisa 
  • Juha Marttila, Chairman of the Board, MTK  
  • Janne Känkänen, CEO, National Emergency Supply Agency 
  • Liisa Hurme, President and CEO, Orion Pharma 

Facilitator: TBC

II Discussion: SECURITY TECHNOLOGY IN TRANSITION – WHAT DOES THE NEW ERA DEMAND? (FIN)

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

Introduction of the discussion:
TBC

Discussing:

  • Tuija Karanko, Secretary General, PIA  
  • Seppo Aaltonen, VP, NATP & NORDICS, Mission Systems, ICEYE 
  • Tomas Nyström, Nordic Technology Lead, Accenture

Facilitator:  TBC

12.00–13.00 Break

14.00
THEME DISCUSSIONS PART II
The themed discussions run simultaneously twice during the event. The participants have an opportunity to choose two out of four themed discussions to attend. Follow live stream (stream links will be open later).

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

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: TBC

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

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 Kaarikoski, Researcher, National Defence University 

Discussing:

  • Sami Nurmi, Major General, Deputy Chief of Staff Strategy, The Finnish Defence Forces 
  • Minna Nenonen, Executive Director, The Finnish Reservists’ Association 
  • TBC 

Facilitator: Minna Nenonen, Executive Director, The Finnish Reservists’ Association

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 

15.30-16.30 City Reception  
Kouvola City Hall 

Updated 11.6.2025