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 Keynote: CEO of Patria,Panu Routila

11.20 Panel Discussion (ENG)

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

  • Major General Sami Nurmi, Deputy Chief of Staff Strategy, The Finnish Defence Forces
  • Kaisa Rönkkö, Dean, Sibelius Academy, University of the Arts Helsinki
  • Katri Saarikivi, Neuroscientist, Ph.D. in psychology

The remaining panelists will be announced at a later date.

12.00 Break

13.00 Thematic Discussions

Parallel Thematic Sessions (choose one) in different locations.

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.

Participants in the discussion include:

  • Panu Routila, CEO, Patria
  • Kristian Tornivaara, Managing Director, Saab Finland
  • Tuija Karanko, Secretary General, Finnish Defence and Aerospace Industries

The rest of the panelist will be published later.

Moderator: To be confirmed

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:

  • Jarmo Ainasoja, Head of Risk Management and Business Continuity, Finland, Posti
  • Lieutenant General Jari Mikkonen, Deputy Chief of Staff, Armaments and Logistics, TheFinnish Defence Forces
  • Minna Nenonen, Executive Director, Finnish Reserve Officers´ Association
  • Katriina Viljanen, Specialist, National Emergency Supply Agency

Moderator: To be confirmed

14.00 Break

14.30 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. Participants include

  • Jussi Kosonen, Director of National Defence Courses
  • Janne Känkänen, CEO of the National Emergency Supply Agency,

The rest of the participants will be published later.

15.15 Political Party Debate

Leading decision-makers from the parliamentary parties will discuss the future of security policy.

Participants include

  • Antti Häkkänen, Minister of Defence, Vice Chair (National Coalition Party)
  • Sari Essayah, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Chair (Christian Democrats)
  • Niina Malm, Member of Parliament, Vice Chair (Social Democratic Party)
  • Minja Koskela, Member of Parliament, Chair (Left Alliance)

The rest of the participants will be published later.
Moderator: To be confirmed

16.00 Closing Remarks

Updated 21.7.2026