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European Commission, NATO, and OECD leaders to headline Techritory’s 2025 lineup

September 25, 2025

As technology takes an increasingly central role in geopolitical and geoeconomic ties, global leaders will convene in Riga to discuss the intersection of connectivity and policy. 

The 8th annual Techritory forum will take place on October 22-23, featuring a prominent lineup of global leaders, including Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Technology Sovereignty, Security, and Democracy, Jean Charles Ellermann-Kingombe, NATO Assistant Secretary General for Cyber and Digital Transformation, Mathias Cormann, Secretary-General of the OECD, and more. 

As noted by Henna Virkkunen in her keynote speech at the EUISS Annual Conference 2025, Europe currently faces unprecedented geopolitical and geoeconomic challenges and competition. She stresses that nowhere is this more evident than in technology, the powerful engine fueling the region’s economic growth, security, and global influence. Hence, Techritory 2025 will become a platform for leaders to address the profound link between technology, security, and democracy, and set a foundation for a more resilient and prosperous Europe. 

This year, the forum will gather over 1,500 attendees, featuring 80+ speakers, and present panel discussions and keynote speeches exploring seven thematic blocks – defense and resilience, AI, Europe’s competitiveness in digital technologies, quantum technologies, maritime connectivity, digital identity, as well as 5G and the R&D of 6G.

“Last year, we made a historical identity change as we gave up the former focus on 5G innovations and adopted a broader scope, now shining the spotlight on digitalization and connectivity. This year, our main theme is “Connected Futures Through Digital Paths”, and we aim to highlight the pivotal role of cutting-edge technologies in shaping and enhancing our interconnected world,” Neils Kalniņš, Director of Techritory, addresses the evolution of the event.

The speaker lineup includes some of the most influential voices in global innovation, research, and politics, such as Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, Director of the Telecommunication Development Bureau at ITU, Baiba Braže, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia, Viktors Valainis, Minister of Economics of the Republic of Latvia, and others.

Emphasizing a hands-on approach to innovation, Techritory will host more than 10 co-creation events alongside the main program. Attendees can participate in workshops and ideation sessions to collaboratively develop solutions for future technologies. The forum will also feature a new Expo Zone for tech companies and startups to demonstrate products and showcase prototypes. For more information, explore Techritory’s agenda

“Techritory is a platform where Latvia demonstrates its digital competence and affirms its readiness to be a bridge between European countries, NATO, and the innovation industry. Digital security and connectivity are not just matters of technology but also of national security, which is precisely why the significance of this forum extends beyond Latvia’s borders. Here, decision-makers and entrepreneurs meet to forge future partnerships and solutions that will strengthen secure connectivity throughout Europe,” said Director of the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) Ieva Jāgere.

Similar to previous years, Techritory offers both in-person and online formats. Attendance is free but requires registration.

Techritory is organized by the Electronic Communications Office of Latvia, powered by the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) and the European Union’s Recovery and Resilience Facility. It is created in cooperation with the International Telecommunication Union, strategic partners – LMT, the Nordic Council of Ministers, the City of Hamburg, and the golden partner, Latvia State Radio and Television Centre.

The event was financed with the support of the European Union’s Recovery and Resilience Facility – NextGenerationEU.

The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the European Commission can be held responsible for them.