Civil Shield Forum 2026
Agenda
This year, we are planning to present a highly dynamic program designed to tackle the most pressing challenges and explore critical advancements in civil and border security. The agenda is tailored to address the needs of professionals, decision-makers, and innovators shaping the future of safety and security. Please find the Civil Shield Forum 2026 agenda below:
08:00-09:00
Registration and Welcoming Coffee
09:00-09:10
Welcoming speech
David Rubens, Executive Director | ISRM (Institute of Strategic Risk Management)
09:10-09:35
Keynote: “The Grey Zone: when the assumptions of peace stop applying”
Open for registration
09:35-09:55
Keynote Presentation: Reserved for Platinum Sponsor
Open for registration
09:55-10:45
Panel Discussion 1: Who leads when it’s unclear whether it’s war? (mandates, thresholds, responsibilities)
Open for registration
10:45-11:30
Refreshments & Networking Break (Exibition Area)
11:30-11:55
Keynote Presentation: Communications and coordination in a contested environment
Open for registration
11:55-12:45
Case Clinic (moderated): A cross-border incident in 60 minutes (2 real cases + Q&A)
Vilmantas Vitkauskas, Director | National Crisis Management Centre
Christian Friis, Head of Department – National Operational Staff | Danish Resilience Agency
12:45-14:15
Lunch Break
14:15-14:40
Keynote Presentation: Civil Security Challenges and Solutions
Žygimantas Solovjovas, Head of the Civil Protection Unit | Vilnius City Administration
14:40-15:35
Masterclass panel: Anatomy of a hybrid crisis: how to connect intelligence, comms, law, and operations in the first 72 hours
Moderator: Carolina Drüten – International Security Correspondent | WELT
Open for registration
15:35-16:20
Refreshments & Networking Break (Exibition Area)
16:20-16:40
Keynote Presentation: Reserved for Gold Sponsor
Open for registration
16:40-17:05
Keynote Presentation: Logistics and supply chains in disruption mode
Open for registration
17:05-17:50
Fireside / Interview-style discussion: “Human capacity: staffing, volunteers, burnout, reserve models”
Gaja Šavelė, Head of Strategic Programmes and Advocacy | National NGO Coalition
17:50-18:00
Day 1 wrap-up: 5 takeaways into the Playbook
09:00-09:10
Opening + Playbook progress overview
09:10-09:35
Keynote: Critical infrastructure – the first line
Peter Nielsen, Board Member | AB Lietuvos Gelezinkeliai | Lithuanian Railroads (LTG)
09:35-09:55
Keynote Presentation: Reserved for Silver sponsor
Open for registration
09:55-10:45
Panel Discussion 2: Protecting infrastructure and personnel: sabotage, insider risk, business continuity
Moderator: Oliver Moody, Berlin Correspondent | The Times
Robertas Vyšniauskas, Chairman of the board of UAB EPSO-G, Chairman of the Board of AB Lietuvos Geležinkeliai, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of AB KN energies
Open for registration
10:45-11:30
Refreshments & Networking Break (Exibition Area)
11:30-11:55
Keynote Presentation: Cyber incidents at scale: a public-sector playbook
Prof. Dr. Dennis-Kenji Kipker, Research Director & Founder | cyberintelligence.institute
11:55-12:25
Tech Lightning (3×10 min): Geodata + AI + public warning
Open for registration
12:25-13:55
Lunch Break
13:35-13:55
Keynote Presentation: Reserved for Silver sponsor
Open for registration
13:55-14:20
Keynote Presentation: Drones in civil defence: reconnaissance, delivery, damage assessment + the reality of counter-UAS
Open for registration
14:20-15:10
Panel Discussion 3: Trusted communications in the grey zone: 112, cell broadcast, social platforms, disinformation
Dr. Magnus Hjort, Director General | Swedish Psychological Defence Agency
Argo Kerb, Head of the Public Warning and Communication Department | Estonian Rescue Services Agency
Open for registration
15:10-15:55
Refreshments & Networking Break (Exibition Area)
15:55-16:40
Closing: “From conference to action” + preliminary Playbook draft + commitment to deliver the final product
