István Ujhelyi, Founder, Capital European Affairs and former member of the European Parliament (confirmed)

Krzysztof Bolesta, Secretary of State, Ministry of Climate and Environment, Republic of Poland (confirmed)

This session underscores the urgent need for policymakers, governments, and industry leaders to intensify their efforts in formulating policies that foster economic and social prosperity while advancing ambitious environmental and sustainability goals. By delving into key policy and industry considerations for the next five years, the session aims to offer a comprehensive overview of strategies essential for enhancing European Competitiveness while fulfilling its green objectives. Participants will have the opportunity to assess the current landscape, pinpoint challenges, and chart a course towards a Europe that is both sustainable and economically prosperous.

• How will the transition to clean energy and the proliferation of new technologies support European competitiveness?
• How can technology enable environmental sustainability and social prosperity?
• What are the anticipated benefits of Digital Transformation across Europe, and what policies and frameworks are essential for their realization?
• How does Europe plan to ensure social inclusion and equality throughout the green digital transition?
• What role will geopolitical relationships play in shaping the trajectory of the green digital transition?
• How will the digitization of infrastructure impact energy, transportation, and adaptation efforts across Europe?

Moderator:

• Ilias Iakovidis, Adviser, Digital Aspects of Green Transition, DG CONNECT, European Commission (confirmed)

Speakers:

• Paula Pinho, Director, Just Transition, Consumers, Energy Security, Efficiency and Innovation, DG ENER, European Commission (confirmed)
• Pierre Hausemer, Partner for the EU Institutions – Digital Policy & Sustainability, EY Consulting (confirmed)
• Karen Massin, Head of Government Affairs and Public Policy Europe, Google (confirmed)
• Virginijus Sinkevičius MEP, Vice Chair, TRAN Commidee and Vice President, Greens/EFA, European Parliament (confirmed)

Paloma Aba Garrote, Director of the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA), European Commission (confirmed)

David Minnis, EU Solution Director ESS, Huawei Digital Power Europe (confirmed)

Karin Ekdahl Wästberg, Director of Innovation, City of Stockholm (confirmed)

Europe must adapt to the challenges and opportunities presented by an AI-driven future. Striking the right balance between innovation and regulation, and ensuring innovation aligns with European values, is essential. Collaboration and partnerships, together with transparency and inclusivity in decision-making, are essential for building public trust. This session will explore how AI is being deployed responsibly and equitably, and the role it can play in building a sustainable and competitive Europe.

• What are the economic, environmental, and societal opportunities presented by AI?
• How is the AI Act supporting environmental sustainability and innovation?
• How can policymakers and industry continue to collaborate to harness the potential benefits of AI for economic prosperity and societal advancement?
• How is AI impacting the sustainability skills gap and the future workforce?
• How is the AI innovation package and other funding projects supporting sustainability and climate action?

Moderator:

• Camille Vachet, Senior Consultant, #SustainablePublicAffairs (confirmed)

Speakers:

• Dušan Chrenek, Principal Adviser – Digital for the Green Transition, DG CLIMA, European Commission (confirmed)
• Daniel Schmid, Chief Sustainability Officer, SAP (confirmed)
• Rodrigo Fernandes, Director for Empowering Sustainable Development Goals, Bentley Systems (confirmed)
• Bjorn-Soren Gigler, Head of Data Economy Program, giz Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH (confirmed)

1:45pm – 1:55pm | Keynote Presentation

• Ray Pinto, Senior Director for Digital Transformation Policy, DIGITALEUROPE (confirmed)

1:55pm – 2:05pm | Keynote Presentation

• Kara Hurst, Chief Sustainability Officer, Amazon (confirmed) 

Mobile solutions and space-based technologies will play a critical role in driving European competitiveness. They facilitate efficient data collection, analysis, and observation, and pave the way for a greener and more prosperous future. This session will explore how mobile connectivity solutions and space tech will shape European competitiveness and a more sustainable future for years to come.

• How are the telecoms and space industries taking climate action?
• How can policymakers encourage collaboration and partnerships to realise the environmental objectives of future connectivity solutions and space-based technologies?
• What regulatory frameworks are necessary to encourage private investment, while ensuring compliance with environmental standards and sustainable practices?
• How are we effectively utilising existing resources for positive impact?
• In what ways can different mobile and satellite technologies optimize resource management, improve supply chain efficiency, and drive innovation in sectors critical to European environmental and competitiveness objectives, such as renewable energy, agriculture, and transportation?
• How can policies and funding mechanisms support new market entrants while safeguarding the interests of existing incumbents?
• What work is being done to mitigate the environmental impact of future connectivity solutions?

Moderator:

• Peter Dunn, Director of European Relations, Cullen International (confirmed)

2:05pm – 2:25pm | Setting the Scene – the view from policymakers:

• Pearse O’Donohue, Director, Future Networks, DG CONNECT, European Commission (confirmed)
• Christoph Kautz, Director – Satellite Navigation and Earth Observation, DG DEFIS, European Commission (confirmed)

2:25pm – 2:55pm | Panel Discussion:

• Elisabeth Langlois, Intelligence Sales Manager Airbus (confirmed)
• Maarit Palovirta, Senior Director, Regulatory Affairs, Connect Europe (confirmed)
• James Cemmell, Vice President, Government Engagement, Viasat (confirmed)

2:55pm – 3:05pm | The final word:

• Pearse O’Donohue, Director, Future Networks, DG CONNECT, European Commission (confirmed)
• Christoph Kautz, Director – Satellite Navigation and Earth Observation, DG DEFIS, European Commission (confirmed)

Kurt Vandenberghe, Director-General, DG CLIMA, European Commission (confirmed)

This session explores innovative strategies to minimize waste, maximize resource efficiency, and promote sustainable consumption and production practices. Participants will learn from industry leaders and policymakers about the latest initiatives driving circular economy advancements and discover how circularity can enhance European competitiveness while mitigating environmental impacts. There will be a strong focus on the latest developments regarding the EU’s Digital Product Passport.

Moderator:

• William Neale, Adviser, Circular Economy, DG ENV, European Commission (confirmed)

Speakers:

• Carolynn Bernier, CIRPASS-2 Project Coordinator, CEA (confirmed)

This session aims to convene a select group of experts to engage in thoughtful reflection and discussion on the day’s topics, as we work towards establishing a unified stance for COP29 and charting a forward-looking European agenda for the next five years, essential for driving sustained growth and competitiveness in the global marketplace.

Moderator:

• William Glucroft, Deputy Editor, The Parliament Magazine (confirmed)

Speakers:

• Sue Biniaz, Principal Deputy Special Envoy for Climate, U.S. Department of State (confirmed – video speech)
• Jacob Werksman, Principal Adviser for International Aspects of EU Climate Policy, DG CLIMA, European Commission (confirmed)
• Farid Osmanov, Negotiator, Adaptation and Loss & Damage team, Focal Point for Technology, COP29 Presidency / Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan (confirmed)
• Shahin Aliyev, Deputy Chairman of the Innovation and Digital Development Agency, the Republic of Azerbaijan (confirmed)
• Daniel Bradley, Deputy Counsellor & Head of Climate and Environment, U.K. Mission to the EU (confirmed)

István Ujhelyi, Founder, Capital European Affairs and former member of the European Parliament (confirmed)