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Baltic Symposium 2025: Standing Strong

31 March 2025, 9:30 am–5:00 pm

Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania flags

The Baltic states are in many ways the frontline and vanguard of security and freedom in Europe. In the face of military and technological volatility, the panels will address a range of issues of regional and global relevance from Baltic perspectives: the role of security cooperation and women in achieving and protecting peace; the challenges and opportunities of technology, media and AI; and the potential and impact of small countries' creative industries.

This event is free.

Event Information

Open to

All

Availability

Yes

Cost

Free

Organiser

SSEES Events

Location

SB31 Denys Holland Lecture Theatre
Bentham House
4-8 Endsleigh Gardens
London
WC1H 0EG
United Kingdom

Keynote Speech by H.E. Toomas Hendrik Ilves, Former President of Estonia (2006-2016).

Programme

09.00-09.30 Registration 

09.30-09.40 Welcome and Introduction by Professor Simon Dixon, UCL SSEES Interim Director 

09.40-10.30 Keynote by H.E. Toomas Hendrik Ilves, former President of Estonia 

Chair: H.E. Mr. Viljar Lubi, Ambassador of Estonia to the United Kingdom 

10.30-12.00 Panel I The Baltic states shaping Global Security 

  • H.E. Andrejs Pildegovičs, Ambassador at Large, Latvian UN SC Campaign Task Force Director  
    • The Baltic contribution to strengthening global peace and resilience 
  • Oliver Moody, Berlin Correspondent, The Times 
    • Baltic, The Future of Europe
  • Rūta Bajarūnaite, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Team Leader  
    • Sailing in the shadow: sanctions as a response to security risks posed by Russian dark fleet 

Chair: Dr Aglaya Snetkov, Associate Professor in International politics of Russia, UCL SSEES 

12.00-13.00 Light lunch Bentham House 

13.00-14.30 Panel II Digital security 

  • Karoliina Ainge, Associate Director, Cybersecurity and Technology at Independent Diplomat 

    • Geopolitics: The Role of Governments and the UN in Global Cybersecurity

  • Cassidy Bereskin, Doctoral Researcher at the Oxford Internet Institute  
    • Countering deepfakes and visual dis and misinformation in the age of AI
  • Dr Melanie Garson, Associate Professor in International Security & Conflict Resolution, UCL
    • From Cables to Constellations: Building Integrated Cyber Resilience

Chair: Professor Andrew Wilson, Professor of Ukrainian Studies, UCL SSEES 

14.30-15.00 Coffee Break     

15.00-16.30 Panel III Creative Industries and Cultural Diplomacy 

  • Julija Reklaitė, Director of the Lithuanian Culture Institute 

    • Challenges of cultural diplomacy in nowadays world

  • Ieva Zemite, Associate Professor at the Latvian Academy of Culture  
    • Creative industries in Latvia
  • Ragnar Siil, Director of Creativity Lab, Former Estonian Undersecretary for the Arts  
    • Culture as Good News 

Chair: Dr Diana Kudaibergenova, Lecturer in Central Asian Politics and Society, UCL SSEES

16.30-19.00 Reception Masaryk Senior Common Room, 4th floor, UCL SSEES 

The symposium is co-hosted by UCL SSEES, the Baltic Council, the Embassy of Latvia to United Kingdom, the Embassy of Lithuania to United Kingdom and the Embassy of Estonia to United Kingdom.