The Three Seas Initiative (3SI) Business Forum is taking place on June 20-21, 2022, in Riga, Latvia. The Forum will combine in-person attendance at the Hanzas Perons venue in Riga with live streaming from the event.
The two days of the 3SI Business Forum will gather prominent speakers, thinkers, political figures, economists, and investors to discuss contemporary geopolitics, technological and industrial developments, economic perspectives, and realities of the Three Seas region.
To help you plan your attendance schedule for this year's 3SI Business Forum, we've created a list of can't-miss speakers. Take a look and mark your schedule!
Lionel Barber is a journalist, author, and the former Financial Times editor-in-chief.
Known for his pursuit of the truth, Mr Barber will moderate the Investment Panel, ‘The Three Seas Region – Primed for Future-Proof Investment’, a riveting discussion focused on investment realities, prospects, and opportunities in the 3SI region. In addition, he'll be the moderator of the Presidents’ Panel.
Hear Mr Barber:
Investment Panel, June 20, 15:45-17:00 (GMT+3)
Presidents' Panel, June 20, 17:30-19:00 (GMT+3)
Karlis Vasarais
Karlis Vasarais is the Executive Vice President at Valent Low-Carbon Technologies, a sustainable aviation fuel technology company striving to decarbonize freight transport.
With over 15 years of clean technology scale-up and commercialization experience, Mr Vasarajs has played a vital role in monetizing multiple clean technologies in renewable natural gas, landfill gas, and green chemistry. He will moderate the Forum's Energy Panel, ‘Building a Balanced and Resilient Energy Sector in 3SI Region’.
Hear Mr Vasarais:
Energy Panel, June 21, 09:15-10:30 (GMT+3)
Kadri Simson
Ms Kadri Simson is the European Commissioner for Energy in the Von der Leyen Commission since 2019 and is an Estonian politician from the Centre Party. Previously, Ms Simson was the Estonian Minister of Economic Affairs and Infrastructure in Jüri Ratas' first cabinet from 2016 to 2019. From 2007 to 2016, she was a member of the 11th, 12th, and 13th Riigikogu, and in 2019, she was also elected to the 14th Riigikogu.
Ms Simson will share her expertise and insights in a keynote speech at the must-hear Energy Panel ‘Building a Balanced and Resilient Energy Sector in 3SI Region’.
Hear Ms Simson:
Energy Panel, June 21, 9:15-10:30 (GMT+3)
Karan Bhatia
Karan Bhatia is the Vice President of Government Affairs and Public Policy at Google. He has previously served as President of GE’s Government Affairs & Policy function, overseeing a team of 100+ government affairs professionals from 35 countries.
His extensive digitalization and global policy knowledge and insight into trade in Asia and Africa will enhance the Digitalization Panel discussion 'Crucial digital transformations for advancing infrastructure connectivity and security in the Three Seas region'.
Hear Mr Bhatia:
Digitalization Panel, June 21, 12:30-13:45 (GMT+3)
John Tully
John Tully is the Chairman of the Board at MikroTik, a Latvian-based network equipment manufacturer focusing on developing cost-effective, secure, and powerful wireless and data technologies.
Mr Tully has also started the Genomics Data Network and the charitable non-profit Latvian Pediatric Cancer Initiative. He plays a crucial role in enhancing relations between the US and Latvia as the President and Chairman of the Board of the American Chamber of Commerce in Latvia.
Mr Tully will share his expertise in global digitalization and the advancement of infrastructural connectivity and security in the 3SI region in the Digitalization Panel ‘Crucial digital transformations for advancing infrastructure connectivity and security in the Three Seas region’.
Hear Mr Tully:
Digitalization Panel, June 21, 12:30-13:45 (GMT+3)
Joint Statement of AmChams in the Three Seas Region, June 21, 15:15-15:25 (GMT+3)
Üllar Jaaksoo
Üllar Jaaksoo is a partner at Digital Nation and the founder of Greenergy Data Centers, Estonia. He holds 25+ years of experience in business, technology, and strategy development.
Mr Jaaksoo has a comprehensive history as the CEO of various leading companies. He has also worked as an advisor for the Office of the President of Estonia, giving him a unique perspective on how to digitize effectively.
Hear Mr Jaaksoo:
Digitalization Panel, June 21, 12:30-13:45 (GMT+3)
Valdis Dombrovskis
Valdis Dombrovskis is the Executive Vice President of The European Commission for An Economy that Works for People. Previously, he has served as the European Commissioner for Trade and has worked to strengthen the role of social dialogue and sustainability on the European level.
Mr Dombrovskis will give a keynote speech in the Investment Panel ‘The Three Seas Region – Primed for Future-Proof Investment’.
Hear Mr Dombrovskis:
Investment Panel, June 20, 15:45-17:00 (GMT+3)
Presidents’ Panel, June 20, 17:30-19:00 (GMT+3)
Opening Remarks, June 21, 9:00-9:15 (GMT+3)
Mathias Cormann
Mathias Cormann is the Secretary-General of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Mr Cormann has an extensive experience within various arms of the upper Australian government. He has been a strong advocate for the positive power of open markets, free trade, and the importance of a rules-based international trading system.
He will be giving a keynote speech (via video message) in the Investment Panel ‘The Three Seas Region – Primed for Future-Proof Investment’.
Hear Mr Cormann (via video message):
Investment Panel, June 20, 15:45-17:00 (GMT+3)
Scott A. Nathan
Mr Scott A. Nathan is the Chief Executive Officer of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate on February 9th, 2022. He has had extensive experience across the public and private sectors – most recently, serving as the Senior Advisor to the White House Office of Presidential Personnel.
He will be among the speakers at the must-hear Investment Panel ‘The Three Seas Region – Primed for Future-Proof Investment’.
Hear Mr Nathan:
Investment Panel, June 20, 15:45-17:00 (GMT+3)
Warwick Lowe
Mr Lowe is the Rail Planning Director for Atkins. He is currently advising the Government of France on introducing private operators on the Intercités network. Mr Lowe has supported Rail Baltica, advising on the best practice for Track Access charging, Concession competitions, and Rolling Stock procurement. His work is also closely connected to freight movements across Europe and the rest of the globe.
Mr Lowe will be among the participating speakers of the Transport and Logistics Panel ‘Multimodal Mobility & Logistics as a Cornerstone of Connectivity and Sustainable Development'.
Hear Mr Lowe:
Transport and Logistics Panel, June 21, 10:45-12:00 (GMT+3)
Piret Tõnurist
Dr Piret Tõnurist is the Senior Project Manager at OECD and the Innovation Lead at the Observatory of Public Sector Innovation (OPSI), coordinating OPSI’s work on anticipatory innovation. She's also the co-founder of the cross-directorate Mission Action Lab.
Dr Tõnurist will be speaking at the Mission Approach Panel ‘Mission-Oriented Innovation - Shaping the Future of Economies and Businesses’.
Hear Dr Tõnurist:
Mission Approach Panel, June 21, 14:00-15:15 (GMT+3)
Explore the list of this year's 3SI Business Forum speakers here.