The conference is organised by the Latvian Transatlantic Organisation in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Defence. This year the conference is taking place for the 13th time, once again providing a platform for key partners to share opinions. Over the course of the last decade, the Rīga Conference has built its name and reputation across the region. Since its inception in 2006 the conference has been a meeting place for countless heads of state, ministers, NATO and EU officials, and ambassadors from all around the world.
"In a 24-hour news cycle, it is crucial that we step back and re-assess the global order. Despite growing populism that mixes nationalism with dangerous protectionism, we're still more interconnected than at any time in recent history. We must ask questions if we can, and if we're willing to and ready, protect our democracy, institutions, and populations.
The Riga Conference 2018 is an exceptional forum where leading thinkers will discuss things that sometimes go unnoticed. Over two days, 28th and 29th September, the conference will let us see whether we can count on NATO for the next century, and whether we're doing enough as a community to protect a liberal, democratic world order.
This year Latvia is celebrating its centenary, so Riga is a perfect setting for over 700 experts in foreign policy, diplomacy, and the military to come together and discuss the issues facing not only Latvia, but the entire Transatlantic community over the next 100 years. It is an opportunity for us to reflect on ourselves and consider what more should be done to reassert and promote our values.
Our attention will also turn toward the changing role of Germany, Russia, and the geopolitical significance of the Baltic Sea region. All these issues will be discussed by the people that are already shaping the future of our community, " says Latvian Transatlantic Organisation chairman of the board Mr Toms Baumanis.
The Rīga Conference 2018 will last two days and will host 13 discussion sessions of various formats. Our panels will be led by NOP of expert panellists and moderators. The guest list includes numerous presidents, ministers, ambassadors, and policy experts. The forum will be launched by the President of Latvia His Excellency Raimonds Vējonis, who will honour us with his opening remarks.
The forum panels will focus on a wide array of security issues, such as the current and future role of NATO, the impact of Brexit, and Russian behaviour in the international arena.
The list of our distinguished speakers and guests is available on the webpage of The Rīga Conference
More information:
Eline Dembska
The Rīga Conference 2018 Media Coordinator eline@lato.lv
(+371) 26834171
Laura Krastiņa
The Rīga Conference 2018 Assistant Media Coordinator laura@lato.lv
(+371) 29250441