FORTE 2025

Dr. Karolis Aleksa was appointed Vice-Minister of National Defence of Lithuania in December 2024. He has served in the Ministry of National Defence since 2004, holding a wide range of positions in defence policy, international relations, and strategic analysis. From August 2024, he headed the Defence Policy Group. Between 2021 and 2024, he was Defence Adviser at the Permanent Delegation of the Republic of Lithuania to NATO. Previously, he worked as Director of the International Relations and Operations Department (2016–2021), Deputy Director of the Defence Policy and Planning Department (2013–2016), Head of the Defence Policy Division (2012–2013), Acting Deputy Head of the Strategic Analysis Division (2007–2012), and Chief Specialist of the NATO and EU Department (2004–2007).

Alongside his government service, Dr. Aleksa has taught at Vilnius University Institute of International Relations and Political Science (2007–2009) and at the General Jonas Žemaitis Military Academy of Lithuania (2012–2015), offering courses on war studies, conflict resolution, and the security policies of major powers. He also completed academic training abroad, including a PhD thesis internship at the University of Essex (2010–2011).

Dr. Aleksa holds a PhD in Political Science from Vilnius University Institute of International Relations and Political Science (2012), with a dissertation on the impact of U.S. military transformation on Russian and Chinese security policy. He also earned a Master’s degree (2005) and a Bachelor’s degree (2003) in Political Science from the same institution. His Master’s thesis was awarded the Münster Baltikum Foundation and Diplomat J. Rimas’ Prizes.

He has completed advanced professional training, including the Higher Command Studies Course at the Baltic Defence College (2016), where he was awarded as the top student for academic achievement and leadership, as well as senior-level courses in national security and executive civil service.

Dr. Aleksa speaks English, Russian, and French.

Julijus Glebovas holds an LL.M. from Vilnius University Faculty of Law (1999–2004).

Before his current role, Mr. Glebovas served as Commercial Attaché at the Embassy of Lithuania to the Kingdom of the Netherlands (2020–2024) and to the Republic of Belarus (2017–2020). From 2012 to 2017, he worked at JSC Lithuanian Railways, first as Chief Specialist in the International Relations Unit and later as Deputy Head of the Multimodal Transportation and Development Division.

Earlier in his career, he advised the European Affairs Committee at the Office of the Seimas (2004–2012) and worked as a lawyer in the private sector.

He speaks English, Russian, Spanish, French, and Dutch.

Dominik P. Jankowski is an international security expert, diplomat, and think-tanker with over 15 years of professional experience. He currently serves as Director of the Economics and Security Committee (ESC) at the NATO Parliamentary Assembly.

Prior to joining the NATO Parliamentary Assembly in 2025, he served in national and international functions at NATO HQ. From 2018 to 2022, he worked as Political Advisor and Head of the Political Section at the Permanent Delegation of Poland to NATO. Later he served as Policy Adviser in the Office of the NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg (2023-2024) as well as Deputy Permanent Representative of Poland to NATO (2024-2025). He was elected by Allies as Vice-Chair of the NATO Energy Planning Group which is responsible for the oversight of resilient energy supplies. He was also a member of the European Economic Security Taskforce led by RUSI (2024-2025).

Prior to working at NATO HQ, Dominik has held numerous international security related roles within public administration (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Security Bureau) and the military (General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces), including those related to the EU, NATO, OSCE, and arms control policy.

Dominik completed his doctoral studies at the Warsaw School of Economics from which he also holds his MA in economics. He graduated from the War Studies University in Warsaw (2010) and the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna (2009). He has held several prestigious fellowships, including at the Arms Control Negotiation Academy (ACONA Fellow), the Center for European Policy Analysis (James S. Denton Transatlantic Fellow), the German Marshall Fund (Marshall Memorial Fellow), the Atlantic Council, the ZEIT Foundation Bucerius, the Munich Security Conference-Körber Foundation (Munich Young Leader), and the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz.

Mr Alan Howard joined the Energy Academic Group (EAG) at the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) when it was created in 2013. The EAG was formed by mandate from SECNAV to create an Energy Center of Excellence at NPS, and to focus on the Navy’s Energy mission. The EAG focuses on education and research of six critical areas of energy security: Operational Energy, Engineering Challenges, Supply Chain and Logistics, Critical Energy Infrastructure Protection and Resilience, Cyber/Energy Nexus, Geopolitics of Energy, and Energy Security; Threats and Resilience. He served as Associate Chair of EAG from its early years until stepping into the Chair role in June 2025.

Prior to joining the faculty at NPS in 2009, he spent 15 years in international shipping and logistics and, as Director of eBusiness Development for a large multinational with over €10B in annual revenue, had global responsibility for strategy, product development, and operations in the online space. Having spent most of his career based in Europe, Mr Howard returned to his native Monterey, California in 2002. His responsibilities include international outreach and partnering efforts, business process review, program management, and leveraging opportunities to match academic and research resources across Department of Defense, State Department, and NATO partner capacity building goals and objectives.

Mr Howard received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics with minors in German Language and Chinese Studies from Wheaton College in 1994 and received his MBA/MIM in International Management from Thunderbird in 2000. In 2007 and again in 2010, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger appointed him to serve on the Osteopathic Medical Board of California. In 2013 he was reappointed by Governor Jerry Brown. Mr Howard is a recipient of the Navy Meritorious Civilian Service award. Together with colleagues Daniel Nussbaum and Brenda Shaffer, he is co-author of the first textbook on Operational Energy, published in 2024.

Per Olav Foss graduated from the Norwegian Naval Academy in 1987. He served as a submarine officer for several years before taking different positions at the Norwegian National Joint Headquarters. He also served during “Operation Desert Storm” in the Persian Gulf in 1991.

He joined Equinor in 2009 and is now holding the position as Senior Advisor Marine Security.

In 2018/19 he had 5 months’ leave from Equinor to serve at NATO’s maritime Headquarters (MARCOM) in Northwood UK as a reservist staff officer at the NATO Shipping Centre.

Brigadier General Modestas Petrauskas is born in Vilnius, Lithuania.

In 1991, he participated in civilian protests against Soviet Forces in Lithuania including clashes at the TV tower and the defense of the Parliament during the Lithuanian struggle for Independence. Following this, he joined Lithuanian military service as a volunteer of the National Volunteer Defense Forces in 1992. He graduated from the Lithuanian Military Academy in the second release of officers of the Independent Lithuania in 1995. As a cadet of the military Academy, he graduated from the Junior Non-Commissioned Officers Course in PPCLI Battle School, Canada.

BG M. Petrauskas operational assignments include deployments to Bosnia and Herzegovina as a Mechanized Infantry Platoon Commander and later as S2 officer of the Danish Battalion, NORDPOL BDE. Following this, he was deployed in OSCE Border Monitoring mission of the Georgian – Chechen border as a Team Base Commander. BG M. Petrauskas commanded Jaeger battalion of the Lithuanian SOF and later – Task Force 77 in Afghanistan.

During his staff assignments, BG M. Petrauskas served in Multinational Operations Division of Defence Staff of Lithuania and following this – ADC to the Commander of the Lithuanian Land Forces. Later he was dispatched to USCENTCOM as Lithuanian SOF Liaison Officer for Operation Enduring Freedom.

BG M. Petrauskas graduated from the US Army Command and General Staff College as Master of Military Arts and Science. He graduated from the Royal College of Defence Studies in London, UK and earned MA in International Studies from King’s College, London. He served as Defence advisor for the President of Lithuania, later as Chief of the Training Center of the Lithuanian SOF. Following this, BG M. Petrauskas served as chief of Staff of the Lithuanian SOF. For the NRF15 he was assigned as Deputy Commander of the Polish-led Special Operations Component Command. From 2015, BG M. Petrauskas commanded Lithuanian SOF. Brigadier General Modestas Petrauskas served as the Lithuanian Military Representative to NATO and EU from 2018 to 2020. In August 2020 he assumed position of the Lithuanian Defence Attaché to USA and Canada in Washington, DC. From 2023 to 2025 he commanded TRADOC of the Lithuanian Armed Forces. In 2025 Brigadier General Modestas Petrauskas assigned as Military Assistant to the Lithuanian CHOD.

He is married and has two sons.

Colonel Kazokas, a seasoned military officer with an extensive career spanning over three decades, brings a wealth of experience to the position. He began his military service in 1992 and has since served in various capacities within the Lithuanian Armed Forces, including Land Forces units, Special Operations Forces, Military Police and the Lithuanian Armed Forces Defence Staff. His distinguished service record includes participation in international missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, where he gained valuable operational experience in complex and challenging environments.

A graduate of the Lithuanian Military Academy and Baltic Defence College, Colonel Kazokas holds a master’s degree in political science, further enhancing his strategic and leadership credentials. His academic background, combined with his extensive field experience, positions him well to lead the NATO ENSEC COE, an institution that is increasingly pivotal in addressing the growing challenges related to energy security in the Euro-Atlantic area.

LCL Prêcheur’s career is distinguished by his dual expertise in logistics and operational energy services. Over the past 10 years, he has played key roles in strategic energy management, serving as the deputy of the Energy Policy and Anticipation office at the French Armed Forces General Staff in Paris (2021-2024) and leading the doctrine and international relations section at the French Armed Forces Fuel Service’s Operational Headquarters (2019-2020). Additionally, he has extensive experience working abroad, having served as Head of the SEA liaison detachment in Djibouti and as a fuel officer for French forces in Afghanistan and Tajikistan under the NATO ISAF mission.

LCL Prêcheur holds a Master’s degree in Energy and Products from the prestigious Institut Français du Pétrole (IFP) School and an Engineering Diploma from the renowned Saint-Cyr Military Academy. He has also completed the Advanced Military Studies Certificate at the French War College.

Brigadier general Nicolas Henry is a military expert in operational energy. He entered the military academy in 1990, where he obtained an engineering degree, and initially served as an officer in the Army’s air defence forces.

In 2001, he reoriented his career toward military petroleum logistics, graduating with a master degree in petroleum products and logistics from IFP-School. He then joined the army’s fuel support service, where he spent 25 years in logistics, technical expertise, and operational and command positions in the fields of operational energy in support of French and NATO forces.

He held various command positions in petroleum support at all levels. In particular, he was responsible for supporting NATO forces in Kosovo, developed offensive energy measures during Operation Harmattan in Libya, and oversaw petroleum support during the deployment of Operation Serval in Mali.

He was heavily involved with NATO, serving as the engineer responsible for NATO’s pipeline networks CEPS for France, Belgium, and Luxembourg within the Central European Pipeline Management Agency (CEPMA) in Versailles. He was then appointed deputy director and chief of staff of NATO’s Energy Security Centre of Excellence (ENSEC COE) in Vilnius, Lithuania, when it was created. In this role, he developed partnerships with both NATO military organisations and major institutions dealing with energy and energy security.

After heading up the activities of the Operational Energy Directorate, he is now Director of the National Interallied Pipeline Service (SNOI), the French agency operating the NATO CEPS network in France.

He holds a degree in advanced military studies and is also auditor at the Institute for Higher National Defence Studies, specializing in armaments and economy of defence.

Brigadier General Nicolas Henry is married and has seven children.

Jensen Chew is Vice President/Product Director (Electrification, 4×4 & 6×6 vehicles) at ST Engineering. Jensen has worked in the area of Mobility Systems in the last 30 years, covering engineering and business development. He is a recipient of the prestigious Singapore Defence Technology Prize for the Singapore Army’s TrailBlazer countermine vehicle. He has also undertaken the design of the world’s first, Drive-by-Wire transmission for the Hunter armoured fighting vehicle with two patents granted, as well as the design and development of a Hybrid Electric Drive mine-resistant and ambush protected vehicle for the military.

Mr André du Plessis is Federal and Public Sector Business Development Manager for Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories Inc. (SEL), a US technology developer, manufacturer, and engineering firm specializing in the protection, control, and automation of utility scale power systems. The company was founded in 1982 and is headquartered in Pullman, Washington State. It has six manufacturing facilities, more than 7000 employees and operates across the globe.

Based in Washington DC, Mr. Du Plessis coordinates business relations with the US Federal Government, including the Department of Defense. He joined SEL in 2012. Prior to that he served as Vice President at Infrastructure Resources LLC., a boutique Virginia based renewable energy consulting firm focusing on the development of concentrating solar power projects in Africa. He also served as Manager for Reed Inc., a US Defense and State Department contractor in support of US Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Serving as head of the World Bank Liaison Office at the South African Embassy in Washington DC he was instrumental in the creation of two South African Government Consultant Trust Funds at the World Bank Group in Washington DC. Mr Du Plessis was acting Ambassador to the South African Embassy in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, West Africa, where he oversaw diplomatic, commercial, defense and security relations with six countries in the sub-region. As Assistant Director with the Africa Directorate at the Department of Foreign Affairs he was actively involved in international Peacekeeping initiatives in Africa including diplomatic-military liaison.

Nick was commissioned into the Royal Air Force as a Logistics Officer in 1994.

As a junior officer he completed several specialist Air Movements tours in command, planning and staff officer roles. In Squadron Leader rank, he completed the roles of Personal Staff Officer to the Director Supply Chain Support and Aide de Camp to Air Officer Wales, Officer Commanding No 45 Mobile Air Movements Squadron (1 AMW) before moving to ACDS Logistic Operations; primarily focusing on International Logistics Engagement. As a Wing Commander he was selected for Advanced Command and Staff College before working in the Permanent Joint Headquarters. He assumed Command of No 1 AMW in 2015 before moving to MOD Main Building Capability Strategy.

On promotion to Group Captain he was assigned as the RAF’s Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff for Logistics Operations and Plans. He was then selected to be Personal Staff Officer to the Chief of the Air Staff and subsequently the Commander of the RAF Support Force. After graduating from the Royal College of Defence Studies in 2024, he was promoted Air Commodore and appointed as the Head of Defence Operational Energy and Support Futures.

He has deployed on numerous operations in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Sierra Leone, Iraq and Afghanistan, working in both National and NATO roles.

A keen lifetime sportsman, he maintains an active interest in rugby and multisport. He lives in Torquay with his wife Beth and their dog Molly. 

Captain Shurdha joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 2006 as an Armour Officer. He completed officer training at the Royal Canadian Armour Corps School in 2010 and was posted to the Royal Canadian Dragoons in Petawawa, Ontario where he was employed as a Troop Leader and Liaison Officer. Between 2012 to 2015 he was posted to the Royal Military College of Canada where he was employed as the Staff Officer Careers and supported over 900 officer cadets. In 2015 he moved to the Canadian Army Doctrine and Training Centre Headquarters where he managed the Canadian Army Training Ammunition portfolio. He completed the Army Technical Staff Officer Course in 2019 and was posted to Director Land Requirements (DLR) as Deputy Project Director for the Logistics Vehicle Modernization project in 2020. In 2021, Captain Shurdha began researching zero-emission technologies to support the Government of Canada’s targets to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. He is currently working at DLR-3 Armoured Systems as a Project Director and is a contributor to the Canadian Army’s Operational Land Fleet Decarbonization Plan (OLFDP). Captain Shurdha holds a BSc in Chemistry from York University in Toronto.

Capt Shurdha is married with two children. He currently lives in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

More than 25 years’ experience in international energy, with many years of top-level management positions.

Hands-on experience in managing and operating a power system at the National Power System Operation Center.

Strategy development and implementation to ensure stable and reliable operation of the power system and power market.

Leading role of strategic cross border power interconnection projects of national and European significance like LitPol Link, NordBalt, Baltic power systems decoupling from Russia and synchronisation with continental European grid.

A long term CEO at Litgrid, the Lithuanian electricity transmission system operator, a member of the European Commission’s Energy Expert Group, member of the board of the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity ENTSO-E, member and chairman of multiple magement and supervisory boards.

Contibution to Center of Excellence in Technological and Physical Sciences (TiFEC’s) at Kaunas University of Technology. The activities developed at TiFEC will enable the minimization of energy losses and the maximization of the efficient use of energy generated by solar cells, which will undoubtedly contribute not only to environmental protection but also to positive social impact.

Leaving school in 1991, Maton joined an automotive logistics and packaging company, becoming a department head, specialising in heavy packaging, batteries, fuels and lubricants and was the site’s energy manager.

Joining the Royal Air Force (RAF) in 1996 as a commissioned Logistician, he became an airfield Fuels Officer and Energy Manager, before undertaking the eleven-month Officers’ Petroleum Course then deploying as the British Principle Fuels Officer in Kosovo.  Subsequently he became the Fuels Officer and Station Energy Manager at the RAF’s largest airfield, Brize Norton, home to the air-to-air refuelling and strategic transport fleets.  Two years as the Headquarters 101 Logistic Brigade Fuels Staff Officer followed, including the first of his 3 deployments as the British Fuels Officer in Iraq.  He has also been the Principle Fuels Planning officer in Afghanistan and designed fuels training for the Afghan National Security Forces. His several logistics and fuels staff tours at Headquarters Air Command include being the Senior Fuels Officer. During his sub-unit command, he delivered multiple infrastructure resilience enhancements, including to energy infrastructure for both electrical power and liquid fuels. 

On promotion to Wing Commander in 2016, he became the RAF’s Resilience Policy lead, managing Air Command’s Critical National Infrastructure requirements.  He has been the Defence Operational Energy Authority (OEA) Capability Coherence Manager since 2020; this role includes being the lead for the Franco-British Fuels Co-operation Agreement, sponsorship of policy documents, training requirements, fuels Management Information Systems, field fuels testing equipment and Statements for Requirement for non-infrastructure energy requirements.

He is a Member of the Energy Institute, a Chartered Manager Member of the Chartered Management Institute and a Fellow of the Institute of the Motor Industry. He lives with his wife Anne, 13 year old son Alfred and their two lively dogs.

BG (OF-6-Retired) Jaime Martorell Delgado joined the ESP Air Force Academy in 1974.

When promoted to BG, he was assigned as Commander of the National Air Operations Center (N-AOC, 2011-2013) and Head of Academics of the Joint Capstone School (2013-2015). After passing to Reserve position, he was assigned as Vice Director of Weapons and Systems Management, having the responsibility of sustaining all Air Force Fleets (Fighter, Transport, Helos, and RPA) Weapons, Sensors, and Comms Systems (2015-2022). He retired on May 2022, after almost 48 years of service on ESPAF.

BG Martorell has more than 3.800 flying hours, most of them in EF-18. On his service records he has 44 combat sorties in the Balkans. He has numerous decorations, highlighting the Blue-Ribbon Meritorious Medal for the combat missions under enemy fire on Allied Force operation, and the NATO Meritorious Service Medal, being the first Spaniard to receive it.

Since his retirement in 2022 up to now, Gen Martorell has been Advisor for Defense in companies related to Energy products and applications for military forces.

Since his retirement from the Spanish Armed Forces in 2022, General Martorell has provided advisory and strategic consulting services to the Defense Industry, particularly in the field of military energy sovereignty.

SEM. General Martorell directs the consulting department for the SEM program, a strategic initiative of a consortium of companies in the Spanish defense industry aimed at ensuring the energy autonomy of the Armed Forces, both Spanish and NATO member countries, in surveillance, training, conflict, or emergency scenarios.

This magnificent proposal, led by General Martorell’s consultancy, is aligned with NATO’s decarbonization commitments and the objectives of the EU’s Defense Industrial and Technological Plans.

Born Sept 11, 1971 in Bydgoszcz, joined the Army in 1991. Graduated from Military Academy for Mechanized Infantry (1995), Naval Postgraduate School (NPS), Monterey USA (2002), Bank School in Bydgoszcz (2011) and National Defense University (NDU) – Eisenhower School (2022). 

Commissioned in 1995, joined 2nd tank battalion of 12^th Armoured Cavalry Brigade in Zlocieniec where served as platoon leader, battalion operations officer and company commander. After graduation from NPS, between 2002 and 2014 served in various staff positions in Pomeranian Military District HQ, Multinational Division Central – South in Iraq, NATO JFTC Support Unit and Armed Forces Support Inspectorate. For the next three years joined Operations Branch G-3 of 1^st German Armoured Division in Hannover and Oldenburg. After another two years in Support Inspectorate in 2019 took over the command of NATO Force Integration Unit Poland. After graduation from NDU in 2023 assumed command of the 4th Logistic Brigade. In April 2025 assigned Chief of Logistic Directorate of General Staff of Polish Armed Forces.

Colonel (OF-5) Anne van der Bend assumed his duties as Assistant Chief of Staff Joint Engineering Division (ACOS JENG) in Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) in September 2022. In this position he is also front and centre on Counter-IED, Climate Change and Security and Energy Security. His previous assignment was in the Defense Materiel Organisation at the Netherlands Defense Staff in The Hague where he served lastly as the Monitor of the Ammunitions Domain, and before that as Program Manager since august 2019.

After his graduation from the Netherlands Military Academy in 1994 he held several commanding positions in Maintenance units of armoured and airmobile infantry. He then was appointed in positions as advisor and manager in the Defense Materiel Organisation until September 2015, including the Chief of Staff position at the Netherlands Airforce Logistics Center from June 2012 until December 2013.

After his mission to HQ UNDOF (DAMASCUS) from September 2015 to April 2016 he taught and mentored students at the Netherlands Defense Academy’s Advanced Command and Staff Course in Breda until July 2018. He then took command over the 13th Light Brigade’s Maintenance Coy until August 2019.

Colonel Anne van der Bend holds a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Delft (2007).

His career and studies gave him an extensive experience in (multi-)project- and program management in a materiel and organisational setting, and that he feels comfortable in a military and civilian strategic setting. He is a quick visual thinker with an analytical mind, able to connect downward, upward and at peer level.

He is happily separated, has a girlfriend, and together they have an accumulation of four daughters.

Kirk A. Phillips is the Director, Air Force Office of Energy Assurance (OEA). OEA serves as the integrator of energy and water resilience efforts by ensuring projects align with installation needs and with the three goals of the Department of the Air Force (DAF) Installation Energy Strategic Plan — identify enabling system vulnerabilities, improve resilience planning, and ensure resilience results. As such, OEA connects DAF enterprise and installation stakeholders with energy and water resilience partners, emerging technologies, and industry best practices. Prior to his current position Kirk was the Health Safety and Environmental Practice Leader and Vice President at LJB Inc. and works as a thought leader with the American Industrial Hygiene Association on Total Exposure Health. As the Practice Leader of HS&E, Kirk provided comprehensive health, safety and environmental services to all segments of industry across the US and Internationally. In 2018, he retired as the BSC Associate Chief for Bioenvironmental Engineering (BE) in the Office of the Air Force Surgeon General, the pinnacle position in his career field. In this capacity, he oversaw development and execution of Air Force occupational and environmental health policies to support the Aviation and Space mission worldwide. In this capacity he also oversaw development of the career field’s 362 officers and 960 enlisted members. In 2014 he developed Total Exposure Health as a strategic initiative to institutionalize primary prevention in work, environmental and lifestyle exposures. From 2011 to 2014, Col Phillips was the Director of Policy and Programs for the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Environment, Safety and Occupational Health, Pentagon, Washington DC.
Colonel Phillips entered the Air Force from a four-year AF ROTC scholarship in 1985. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering and his master’s degree in engineering and environmental management, where he was a distinguished graduate. Initially serving as Chief and Flight Commander at three operational bases for a combined period of 11 years, he also completed a 12-month fellowship at the Air Force Medical Operations Agency (AFMOA). Mr. Phillips served as a staff officer at a major command and Air Staff in the AF Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, the AF Surgeon General, and the Air Force Medical Support Agency offices. He deployed to Qatar in support of operations ENDURING FREEDOM, IRAQI FREEDOM, and Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa. He served a tour at the Air National Guard Readiness Center, where he oversaw the occupational health program for 93 ANG bases and 242 units. Col Phillips held positions as Deputy in the Bioenvironmental Engineering Division at AFMOA and Commander, 47th Medical Support Squadron, Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas.

Andrii Davydiuk holds a PhD in Cybersecurity and is a Plans and Coordination branch head at the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence (CCDCOE). He serves as Deputy Branch Head at the State Cyber Protection Centre under the State Service of Special Communications and Information Protection of Ukraine. Additionally, he is a senior research scientist at the G.E. Pukhov Institute for Modelling in Energy Engineering at National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine.

Milena Komar, Director of Kyiv School of Energy Policy, leading Ukrainian institution for human capital building in energy sector.

The area of expertise includes capacity building, human capital in energy and social change. For the last 5 years developed a number of educational programs in collaboration with the international EU and US institutions.

Francesco Miele is a NATO International Civilian with 30 years of experience in National and NATO defense logistics planning and supply chain management.

He currently serves as a Senior Logistics Planning Officer for the NATO Support and Procurement Agency’s Operational Logistic Support Partnership (OLSP). The Partnership provides integrated operational planning and development for commercial services in support of national, multinational and coalition requirements including recommending and studying innovative multinational and individual solutions for standing commercial capabilities.

Francesco is a former Italian Army Officer. Throughout his career, he held various roles as a commander and staff officer, participating in numerous national, multinational, and NATO exercises and missions abroad including Afghanistan, Iraq, and Kosovo.

He graduated in Computer Engineering at Roma Tre University, Italy.

Dr. Bernard Thonon holds a degree in mechanical engineering from INSA-Toulouse, France (1985), and a Ph-D in mechanical engineering from the University of Nancy, France (1991).

He is currently the program manager for energy system and network at CEA-LITEN, France.

He has coordinated several European research projects on energy technologies (heat exchangers, heat pumps and renewable heating and cooling technologies). From 2014 to 2020, he managed the energy system for industry division. Since 2022 he has been involved in energy projects for defence applications. He is the scientific coordinator of the INDY project, financed by the European Defence Fund, focused on energy system for deployable camps.

LtCol. (res). Sten Allik entered to the military in 1995. After short period as non-commission officer he entered to the Military Academy in Finland where he graduated in 2000. Following years, he served as battery commander in artillery and head of S3 and Chief of Staff/DCOM of battalion. In 2005-2006 he studied in Ecole de Guerre in Paris and in University of Sorbonne, receiving master’s degree in Geopolitics, Strategy and Industrial Dynamics.

From 2006, Allik served in the Joint Staff, in J5 Analyses Branche, including the post of Head of Branch, assuming responsibility as principal coordinator of the defence R&D for the Estonian Defence Forces.

From 2009 to 2013 Allik served in NATO Multinational Corps Northeast in Poland as Deputy Head of Branch, Policy, G5.

From 2013 to 2018 he assumed responsibility as a Head of Centre for Applied Research, an R&D centre for Estonian Defence. During that time, he was leading the transformation of defence-related R&D towards the ecosystem to support better capability development, including introducing new R&D policy, procedures and structures, defence hackathons and closer cooperation within the framework of NATO Science and Technology Organisation, where he also acted as Estonian representative in the Board and one of selected representatives in the Strategic Advisory Group for NATO Chief Scientist, participating also in several NATO research groups and acted as a mentor for Autonomy Theme.

In 2021, joined Milrem Robotics, one of the leading UGV developers and producers, as Director of Concept Development and Experimentation.

His special focus was to bring industry closer to the operational thinking and capability development to better respond to the rapidly evolving battlefield requirements. Currently he continues his work in Milrem as Lead Capability Development Strategist, focusing on supporting the strategic decision-making process by assessing future developments in operationalising robotics for warfighting.

Marek Alliksoo, CEO of SKYCORP Technologies, is a leading industry expert in Hydrogen Technologies, Unmanned Aerial Systems, the combination of the two and an ecosystem developer of future vertical airspace and cross-domain operations.

Marek is the chairman of the advisory board of the Estonian Drone Centre of Applied Research, a founder of Hydrogen Valley Estonia and the ZeroEST climate neutral manned and unmanned aviation ecosystem, on the European Clean Hydrogen Alliance’s Mobility and Alliance for Zero Emission Aviation working groups.

He is a frequent speaker and panellist at international events, advisor at government working groups, roadmap, strategy and legislation planning committees.

Having joined the armed forces in 1999 as a non-commissioned officer in the Signal Corps, Gwenaël became a commissioned officer in 2005 when he joined the Armed Forces Fuel Service. He is an experienced executive specializing in the logistics of fuel and petroleum products. With a career spanning over 15 years dedicated to the petroleum supply chain, he possesses comprehensive expertise ranging from operational management to policy-making.

He began by commanding a fuel storage and distribution depot, before serving as second-in-command for a group of 8 depots in the North-East region of France. Subsequently, as Head of the Operations Bureau, he supervised the petroleum logistics for 32 depots across mainland France and managed relationships with both clients and suppliers on a national scale.

His expertise is complemented by a Specialized Master’s degree in Energy Business Management from CentraleSupélec (Paris Saclay University). Since August 2024, he has held the position of Head of the Energy Bureau at the Operational Energy Service Directorate in Malakoff, near Paris. In this role, he is responsible for developing policies in the areas of operational energy, procurement, and petroleum logistics for the Service.

Furthermore, he has participated in several operations, always in fuel support roles, notably in Afghanistan and Niger

Stefan Burger is a Fuel Expert Scientist at the Bundeswehr Research Institute for Materials, Fuels and Lubricants (WIWeB) in Erding, Germany. WIWeB is the scientific institute of the Bundeswehr and deals with research projects about future developments that could be of relevance to the German Armed Forces.

Since 2022, he contributes as chemist to numerous tasks covered by the research institute. In detail, this includes to facilitate the responsible body for the quality assurance of military fuels in Germany and research work in the field of fuel supply, with a special focus on the challenges of future energy supply of armed forces. He connects his expertise on synthetic fuels and the related military-specific challenges between the German MoD and various NATO bodies, such as the Fuels and Lubricants Working Parties as well as scientific groups within the framework of the NATO Science and Technology Organisation.

Before joining Bundeswehr as civilian scientist, he graduated with a Bachelor and Master’s Degree in Chemistry at the Technical University of Munich and holds a PhD in materials science on structure-property relationships of novel functional materials.

Mr Justin Tamasauskas is a research engineer with Natural Resources Canada at the CanmetENERGY in Varennes Research Centre. Since joining the organization in 2011, Justin has been involved in a variety of projects aimed at reducing diesel dependency in both fixed infrastructure and mobile platforms. His current responsibilities include supporting increased energy efficiency and mission capability onboard Canadian naval platforms via the application of physics-based modelling techniques. Justin holds a B.A.Sc from Queen’s University and an M.A.Sc from Concordia University, with a focus on heat transfer and thermodynamics. 

Lieutenant Colonel Darius Aukščionis has many years of experience in international cooperation projects and is currently the Head of the Military Standardization and National Codification Bureau of the Defence Resources Agency under the Ministry of National Defence of the Republic of Lithuania. During his career at the NATO Energy Security Centre of Excellence from 2021 to 2024, he assumed roles as the Head of the Strategic Analysis Division and the Head of the Education, Training, and Exercise Division. Throughout his tenure at the Centre of Excellence, he actively participated in numerous conferences and workshops, delivering briefings on energy security matters to diverse audiences. Lieutenant Colonel played a pivotal role as one of the key organizers of the Coherent Resilience Tabletop Exercises in the Baltic Sea region (TTX CORE 23-Baltic) in 2023 and in the Republic of Moldova in 2024 (TTX CORE 24-Moldova). These exercises aimed to enhance cooperation and preparedness in addressing energy security challenges in the respective regions. With 34 years of experience in Lithuania’s military structures, Lt Col Darius Aukščionis has held various leadership and educational positions. Notably, he served as the Defence Attaché to the Republic of Moldova and as the Deputy Chief of Staff Plans (G5) at the Headquarters of the Lithuanian Land Forces Command. These roles have equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of military operations and operational planning, further enriching his contributions to energy security initiatives.

Major Festim Alimadhi is the Senior National Representative of Albania at the NATO Center of Excellence for Defense Against Terrorism, and also an Analyst/Statistician for the Lessons Learned Branch of this Center.

During his almost 25-year career, he has worked in artillery structures as a platoon commander, battery commander, chief of intelligence (S2), chief of personnel (S1), chief of fire support at the Ground Forces Operations Branch (G3). He also worked as the Chief of the CIMI Cooperation (S9) in the Special Operations Regiment.

For his work results and continuous studies, he was appointed to the Ministry of Defense in the period 2010 – 2014, in the Directorate of Policies and Strategic Planning in the General Directorate of Defense Policies, where he worked closely with the American advisors on defense reform at the MoD. During this time, he was in the working group on the NATO integration process, after membership, as well as in the working group for the drafting of the defense sectoral strategy 2013-2020 for integration into the European Union.

During this period, he attended the Master of Science in International Security Studies at the Albanian University, and is awaiting the start of his doctorate at the Albanian Academy of Armed Forces, in the field of security. Later he worked in the field of Standardization Agreements and Lessons Learned, as well as in the Air Force Command as a staff officer for military planning in the operations branch (A3). He has been a delegate of Albania to the NATO Standardization Board Meetings, several times.

He is the author of many articles in the field of security and defense in the military and daily press, a speaker at national and international scientific conferences, as well as a translator of various articles in the field of defense and security.

He is married and has one child, a 6-year-old son.

Mrs Yagmur TORUL YUREK is an Energy Security and Climate Change Staff Officer at Joint Engineering Division (JENG) in Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) with a background in energy policy, regulatory development, and sustainability. In this role, she contributes to ongoing efforts to strengthen military aspects of energy security. Prior to this position, Yagmur worked at the Energy Market Regulatory Authority (EMRA) of Türkiye since 2014, where she focused on licensing and regulatory frameworks for electricity market including drafting legislation and evaluating renewable energy projects.

In addition to her professional work, Yagmur has an academic background in industrial engineering and management information systems. She holds a B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Industrial Engineeringand aPh.D. in Management Information Systems from Gazi University in Ankara.  Her research includes work on hybrid renewable energy systems, sustainability metrics under uncertainty, and resource allocation of energy systems.

Noémie Rebiere, PhD, is a geopolitics scholar and associate researcher at the French Institute for International and Strategic Affairs (IRIS). Her doctoral dissertation focused on European energy security and the geostrategic role of Turkey in hydrocarbon transport.

A specialist in energy issues in the fields of defence and security, Noémie works on the energy transition and the implementation of sustainable development policies for the benefit of armed forces. After five years working at the French Ministry of Armed Forces, she currently leads the multi-year DEFENDRE programme at the think tank The Shift Project.

She also serves as an operational reservist and energy specialist with the French Air and Space Force, and as a civil expert for NATO within the Energy Working Group of the Resilience Committee.

Imants Lieģis is Diplomatic Advisor to Latvia’s Minister of Defence. He took up this position in September 2023. He has also served as Minister of Defence between 2009 and 2010.

Born and educated in the UK with a law degree from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, he has had a career with the Latvian Government since 1992 focusing on security, defence and foreign affairs. During his diplomatic career he served as Ambassador to NATO, the EU Political and Security Committee, Spain and Hungary.

He was also elected as a member of Latvia’s Parliament (Saeima) between 2010-2011 where he served as Chairman of the European Affairs Committee and Head of the Delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly. 

He retired from the Diplomatic Service as Ambassador to France in 2020.

He has cooperated over a number of years with the Latvian Institute of International Affairs (LIIA) where he remains affiliated as an Associate Researcher. He is a member of the senior network of the European Leadership Network (ELN) and a member of the Alphen Group (TAG).

Dr. Labutis’s previous career assignments included senior management positions in banking, leasing, insurance, and energy management. He is currently a faculty member at the Military Academy of Lithuania, where he also serves as Study Program Director and Member of the Senate. His teaching and research interests focus on strategy and strategy execution, energy, sustainability and resource management, critical infrastructure resilience, and related human behaviors. In addition, Dr. Labutis is active in management consulting, innovation management, and technology transfer.

Since 2015, Dr. Labutis has been delegated by the Ministry of National Defence of Lithuania to the European Defence Agency as a National Representative in multiple EDA projects. He is also involved in NATO and national research projects with a focus on energy and optical communications. Dr. Labutis is a member of the Global Military Advisory Council on Climate Change (GMACCC) and has served multiple times as a Research Fellow at the NATO Energy Security Centre of Excellence.

Gert Siniloo is currently serving as the Director General for Climate Diplomacy and Connectivity at the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This Department deals with climate diplomacy, energy security, Arctic and Antarctic issues, and regional connections and the external dimension of transport policy, including Rail Baltic, the Three Seas Initiative and the Partnership for Transatlantic Energy Cooperation (P-TEC), working side by side with the Ministry of Climate. Before taking up the role of Director General, Mr Siniloo was the Desk Officer for Energy Diplomacy, where his main responsibility was advancing bilateral and regional cooperation within energy projects, such as the synchronisation of Baltic electricity grids with Central Europe, or new interconnections with Latvia and Finland. From 2020 to 2023 he worked as an Adviser in EU energy and transportation policy in the Government Office of Estonia, where he coordinated Estonia’s national positions on EU legislation and regional energy and transport projects. Before joining the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2019, he worked in the private sector as an investment analyst and researcher on energy policies of Estonia and Finland. He has a Master’s Degree in International Relations and EU Affairs from the University of Tartu, and has also been a guest student at KU Leuven in Belgium and Heinrich Heine University in Düsseldorf, Germany.

Mr Christoph Stelzer is the Chief Operating Officer of CellCube Energy Storage GmbH, a global leader in vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB) systems for long-duration energy storage. He is responsible for international operations, project execution, and strategic partnerships, with a focus on delivering secure and resilient energy solutions for critical infrastructure and defense applications.

With over 15 years of leadership experience in the energy and technology sectors, Christoph has managed large-scale storage projects across Europe, North America, Africa, and Asia. His track record includes direct collaboration on U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) projects, where CellCube’s VRFB technology has been deployed to enhance resilience, provide mission-critical backup power, and strengthen operational readiness. These experiences are directly relevant to NATO’s energy security and defense priorities.

At CellCube, Christoph oversees the company’s global manufacturing and service operations, ensuring long-term reliability and high performance of deployed systems. He works closely with utilities, governments, and industrial partners to integrate renewable energy, improve grid stability, and protect essential infrastructure.

Key highlights of his career include:

• Leadership of global operations and supply chain across multiple continents.
• Defense and government partnerships, including cooperation with the U.S. DoD.
• Proven experience in project delivery for mission-critical and strategic assets.
• Advancement of vanadium electrolyte innovation and contributions to standards for long-duration energy storage.

Christoph combines operational expertise with strategic vision, positioning CellCube as a trusted partner for secure, sustainable, and defense-grade energy solutions. His mission is to ensure that long-duration energy storage not only accelerates the global energy transition but also provides mission-critical reliability for NATO and allied defense operations.

Mr Joseph Strasser is currently an Energy Assurance Program Manager for European Initiatives & Special Projects at the United States Air Force (USAF) Office of Energy Assurance, focusing on enhancing energy resilience and reliability for critical mission sets. His efforts concentrate on the implementation of diverse on-site energy generation projects, including geothermal, natural gas, nuclear, and other reliable energy solutions, to safeguard installations against energy insecurity in both steady-state and contingency operations. His office is dedicated to leveraging public-private partnerships to meet long-term energy goals and supporting global mission readiness.

Georgios Zisis is currently serving as Staff Officer for Energy Security, Environmental Protection and Climate Change at NATO Joint Force Command Naples, responsible for integrating energy resilience and environmental protection into operational planning and Alliance-wide initiatives.

Previously, he served in the Hellenic Air Force in senior positions, including Head of Section for Training, Operations & Force Protection at the HAF General Staff, and Head of Branch for Operational Coordination and Information Environment Assessment.

He holds master’s degrees in Energy & Sustainable Development (Aristotle University of Thessaloniki), Management of Natural and Human-Induced Risks & Disasters (Harokopio University of Athens), and Strategic Studies (Hellenic Supreme Joint War College).

Mr Julijus Grubliauskas is the Energy Security Team Lead at the NATO Headquarters in Brussels. His responsibilities include supporting NATO leadership on energy related issues and developing NATO’s energy security agenda. In the beginning of 2023, he was temporarily delegated to the Private Office of NATO Secretary General to help establish the Critical Undersea Infrastructure Coordination Cell at the NATO HQ. Previously he worked in NATO‘s Political Affairs and Security Policy Division, where he focused on defence economics.

Prior to joining NATO’s International Staff in 2009, Mr Julijus Grubliauskas worked as an energy security analyst in the Lithuanian Government, and conducted research and lectured at Vilnius University. A Lithuanian citizen, Mr Julijus Grubliauskas has B.A. and M.A. degrees in International Relations and Political Science from Vilnius University, and completed the NATO Executive Development Programme. Mr Grubliauskas regularly lectures on energy security at the NATO Defense College in Rome, NATO School in Oberammergau (Germany), the Baltic Defence College in Tartu (Estonia), and the NATO Energy Security Centre of Excellence in Vilnius. He has published a number of articles on NATO’s energy security agenda, energy as a tool of hybrid warfare, and Russia’s energy policy.

Studied mathematics and physics at Vytautas Magnus University, Lithuania (1991-2001) and Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden (1998-2000). Received PhD in mathematics and risk analysis in 2001. Completed post-doc research in nuclear reactor risk assessment at European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC), Institute for Energy, Netherlands, 2002-2004. Since 2007 has been working at the JRC different institutes in Ispra, Italy. Since 2011 has been working in the field of energy security and since 2022 leads a team on risk preparedness and resilience in electricity sector. Research interests include risk analysis, resilience and vulnerability assessment, security of supply, uncertainty and sensitivity analysis. Experience includes nuclear probabilistic safety assessment, gas network modelling from security of supply perspective, and resilience assessment of power grids.

Colonel Saulius Guzevičius began his military service in 1990 as a volunteer in the Lithuanian Volunteer Forces following the country’s independence. He held multiple key leadership roles during the development of Lithuania’s modern defense capabilities, including Deputy Commander of the Parliamentary Security CT Squad and later, founding Commander of Lithuania’s Tier 1 Special Forces Unit.

After the 9/11 attacks, COL Guzevičius was tasked with establishing the Lithuanian Special Operations Forces Command, which he led from its formation in 2004 until 2008. He also played a leading role in shaping Lithuania’s response to modern threats, founding and heading the Information Operations Centre, which later evolved into the Strategic Communications Department.

In 2011, he was appointed Director of Strategic Communications in the Office of the Chief of Defense. From 2015, he served at NATO HQ in the Public Diplomacy Division’s Strategic Communications Team. In 2019, he returned to Lithuania as Head of Section at the Ministry of Defense’s General Inspection, and in 2021 became Chief of the newly formed Counter Hybrid Response Group.

COL Guzevičius retired in 2022 and now works with the Public Security Service under the Ministry of the Interior. He holds a degree in Economics from Vilnius Pedagogical University and has completed advanced military education in France, the USA, and Estonia. He has served internationally, including in Afghanistan as Commander of SOF Squadron Aitvaras (OEF, 2003).

Colonel Guzevičius is married with two daughters and has a strong interest in military history and marksmanship.

Sam Emery is the Deputy Director for National Security and Response at the UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. Over his 18-year career, Sam has held several national security roles, including seven years in the Ministry of Defence working on counterinsurgency and counterterrorism operations. For the past 11 years, Sam has specialised in energy security.  

Erdem TUMDAG serves as the Deputy General Manager for Business Development & Contracts at ARMELSAN Group, one of Türkiye’s largest manufacturers of underwater acoustic systems and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) for defence and energy industries. With more than twelve years of experience in international business development, corporate communications, and strategic sales leadership, he has played a pivotal role in expanding the company’s global presence and has led a multidisciplinary team responsible for sales, contracts, market-entry strategies, and corporate communications.

Mr. TUMDAG holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from Bilkent University, Türkiye (2012), Master of Arts in Russian and Eurasian Studies from the European University at St. Petersburg, Russian Federation (2013) and an MBA degree from the University of Liverpool, United Kingdom (2024).

A native Turkish speaker, he is also fluent in English and Russian.

Reiner Zimmermann is Principal Scientist and Head of Research and Lessons Learned Division at the NATO Energy Security Centre of Excellence in Vilnius, Lithuania. There, he studies for NATO nations and partners energy security related developments with relevance for the military and for civil societies in the areas of technology, geopolitics, economy, and ecology.  His research focus is on renewable energies and the nexus between energy security and climate security. He is also the Chief Editor of ENSEC’s journal ENERGY HIGHLIGHTS. Dr. Zimmermann obtained his PhD in natural sciences and is also visiting Professor at the City University of New York CUNY in the USA and the Universidad LaMolina UNALM in Lima, Peru. His academic publication record includes more than two hundred peer-reviewed publications in international journals and technical reports. His military career was with the German Army long range reconnaissance special paratrooper unit and as Colonel with the German Ministry of Defence.

Positions in Defence, Energy & Security:

• Board Member at the Lithuanian Defence and Security Industry Association (LGSPA), Chairman of the Legislative Committee.
• Energy Expert and Organizer of the International Energy Forum in Lithuania for the past 14 years. Speaker at various international Energy Conferences.
• Head of Energy, Infrastructure & Defence Practice. Attorney at Law, Managing Partner (International Business) at NOEWE LEGAL (Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia);
• Active Combat Rifleman, Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union (Lithuanian Volunteer Military Force).
• Member of the National Working Group for the Roadmap on the Development of Lithuania’s Defence and Security Industry 2023–2027.

With 25 years of experience in business, law and leadership Robert combines legal expertise with active engagement in national defence and energy sectors. Robert Juodka is the Managing Partner (International Business) of one of Lithuania’s top-rated business law firms, NOEWE LEGAL, which is a full-service business international law firm, with over 60+ attorneys, tax experts, and compliance professionals. The firm provides legal support across key sectors, with a strong focus on Defence, Defence Procurement, Infrastructure, and Regulatory Compliance. Robert Juodka leads the Energy, Defence and Security practice, an area of increasing importance since the beginning of Russia’s war against Ukraine.

As Chairman of the Legislative Committee of LGSPA, he constantly contributes to shaping the defence industry’s legal framework, fostering innovation and supporting the growth of Lithuania’s defence and security ecosystem.

Robert  Juodka has been decorated with the Presidential Order of Terra Mariana (Republic of Estonia), alongside several military honours from the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union.

Languages: Lithuanian, Estonian, English, Polish, German, Russian; reading knowledge of Ukrainian.

Ben Cook is the UK Representative at the NATO Energy Security Centre of Excellence, where he is on secondment from the UK’s Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (DESNZ). Ben’s projects include assessment of future liquid fuel demand and supply in the European theatre, electricity supply adequacy in the Baltics, and power demand projections in the defence sector.

Previously, Ben was Head of Future of Gas System at DESNZ. There, he developed the Future of Gas Programme and led several gas supply security projects in the wake of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Ben is currently the Editorial Manager for the COE’s publications. 

Marlen Rein is a diplomat with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Estonia, currently serving as the Estonian Subject Matter Expert at the Research and Lessons Learned Division of NATO Energy Security Centre of Excellence (ENSEC COE), where she focuses on the linkage between energy security and cyber security, among other topics. Prior to joining the ENSEC COE, she was posted to the Embassy of Estonia in Madrid, dealing with bilateral political and economic relations. She also worked at the Permanent Representation of Estonia to the European Union, where she handled development cooperation and negotiations over the budget for EU external action, in addition to holding several positions at the Ministry. Before beginning her diplomatic career, she worked as a free-lance journalist for an Estonian daily newspaper. Ms Rein received her MA in East Asian Economy and Society from the University of Vienna in Austria.

Bohdan Polovynko is a political science PhD candidate and lecturer at Vytautas Magnus University as well as an expert at NATO Energy Security Centre of Excellence. His research focus is energy security and regional securitization. His background is international: he attended international schools in Turkiye and Ukraine and graduated high school from Brussels American School. In 2022 in Lithuania he earned a Bachelor’s degree in International politics and development, in 2024 a Master’s degree in Diplomacy and International relations both from Vytautas Magnus University. He had multiple different positions in NATO related organisations, and he also contributed to projects of the Regional Cyber Defence Centre under the ministry of national defence of the republic of Lithuania. He participated in numerous local and international conferences and workshops such as a guest, speaker or an organiser. One of his key interests include NATO as a fundamental transatlantic security provider and organisations interaction with Ukraine. Being a Ukrainian himself he advocates for Ukraine’s sovereignty, border integrity and western development direction. With his extensive work abroad he hopes to contribute to building resilience and international voice for Ukraine. In his personal time Bohdan enjoys strategy board games and historical documentaries.

Dr. Aleksander Olech is the Head of International Cooperation at Defence24, where he leads strategic initiatives and fosters crucial global partnerships. He is a distinguished lecturer at both national and international universities, sharing his deep expertise in international relations and security studies. As a NATO associate, analyst, and publicist, Dr. Olech contributes significantly to discussions and policy development in global defence and diplomacy. His previous role as Deputy Director of the Department of Africa and the Middle East at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs allowed him to shape regional policies and influence international relations.

Over recent years, Dr. Olech has worked extensively with various NATO centers of excellence, including NATO ENSEC COE in Vilnius, NATO StratCom in Riga, NATO CCD COE in Tallinn, and NATO COE DAT in Ankara, focusing on enhancing security measures, strategic communications, terrorism and defence technologies. He holds degrees from the European Academy of Diplomacy and the War Studies University, where he specialized in French-Russian relations, security challenges in Africa, and NATO’s security policy. Dr. Olech’s research and professional contributions continue to impact global security dynamics and diplomatic strategies, positioning him as a leading young voice in these critical areas.

Annabelle Livet is research fellow specialized on energy security and societal resilience issues in Europe, as well as on operational energy for the military forces at the Foundation for Strategic Research (FRS) since 2022. The FRS is an apolitical and independent French think tank focused on strategic, security and defense topics. She also currently prepares a PhD in geopolitics under the supervision of Prof. Yann Richard (Paris 1 – Panthéon-Sorbonne) on the differences in the concept of energy security in Europe and the implications for the EU and NATO.

Previously, she spent seven years in Germany to study and work, notably as project manager in the German private and public sector on economic energy projects, including at the GIZ (German Society for international collaboration). She was graduated in 2020 with a Master’s degree in European Culture and Economy at the Ruhr-University Bochum with two specializations in international relations and energy law and economics.

Ms Kristina Rimkunaite is the representative of Lithuania at the NATO Energy Security Centre of Excellence’s Research and Lessons Learned Division (NATO ENSEC COE RLLD) and a Diplomat at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania. Ms Rimkunaite worked with extensive scope of many international energy projects from 2007 on. The sectors covered include oil, natural gas, shale gas, chemistry industries, and renewable energy systems (e-fuels, wind, hydro, solar, biomass, hydrogen). As a chief economist she planned the “Achema Group” Klaipeda LNG import terminal studies and case analyses.

During her time with “Ignitis Group” Ms Rimkunaite held different positions, among them was the Group’s Risk Management Lead, whose tasks included protection of four national Critical Energy Infrastructure (CEI) sites. While at “Ignitis (former LITGAS) she set up a small scale LNG value chain in Klaipėda. Ms Rimkunaite also coordinated Lithuania’s National Energy and Climate Plan preparation for the European Commission at the Ministry of Energy of Lithuania. Using her vast practical knowledge and experience she currently focuses on EU energy sector policies and strategies, with an emphasis on energy transition and its impact on global and national energy security.

Ms Rimkunaite is the leader behind the entire international “FORTE 2024” and “FORTE 2025” conference organization, making sure that you get to listen to the most interesting and experienced energy, security and defense experts that NATO and NATO nations have at the moment. In 2023, Ms Rimkunaite was unanimously acknowledged by 40 EU and EU candidate countries diplomats at the European Diplomatic Academy Pilot Project in Belgium as “Networker of the Year”.

Ms. Goda Dirginčiūtė is the Assistant FORTE 2025 Conference Organizer with experience in international event coordination and cross-cultural communication. During her time at the NATO Energy Security Centre of Excellence, she supported the planning and organization of multiple large-scale conferences, courses, and table-top exercises, working closely with participants and assisting to NATO ENSEC COE management and the team. Among those events Ms. Dirginčiūtė contributed significantly to both “FORTE 2024” and “FORTE 2025” conferences.  Beyond NATO ENSEC COE, she is involved in educational activities, social media management, and community projects with different organizations, further strengthening her organizational and communication skills. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Middle Eastern Studies (Turkish as the main language) and is currently completing her Master’s degree in Politics and Media.