On October 11, the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) hosted the inaugural event of its new “AmCham Defense and Security Dialogue” series, featuring a keynote by Estonian Minister of Defense Hanno Pevkur. Held in a packed venue with representatives from business, government, and defense sectors, the event was a great success, setting a strong foundation for the future of this important dialogue series.
Minister Pevkur delivered an insightful and timely presentation, addressing key security challenges in the current geopolitical landscape. He highlighted pressing issues such as the ongoing war in Ukraine, the crisis in Israel, and the evolving role of NATO and the European Union. Pevkur also outlined Estonia’s national defense priorities, emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong alliances, particularly within NATO, and increasing investments in both technology and military capabilities. In a powerful remark, he stressed that “unity is not an option, it is a necessity,” underscoring the critical need for global cooperation in the face of mounting security threats.
Following his presentation, an active and engaging Q&A session with the audience ensued. Participants posed thoughtful and wide-ranging questions that further explored the complexities of defense and security in today’s world. The session was highly interactive, demonstrating the audience’s keen interest in Estonia’s defense strategy and the broader international context.
The event then transitioned into a dynamic industry panel discussion, moderated by Carl Pucci, AmCham Vice President and founder of EO59. The panel featured leaders from top defense and security companies, including Raytheon RTX Technologies, Palo Alto Networks, the Estonian Defense and Aviation Industry Association, and Threod Systems. The panelists provided valuable insights into the future of defense innovation and the critical role of public-private partnerships in strengthening security frameworks. Their discussions, ranging from cybersecurity to aviation technologies, highlighted the importance of cross-industry collaboration in addressing current and future security threats.
We would like to sincerely thank our members Raytheon RTX Technologies and Palo Alto Networks for the support of the event and enabling this very important program.
Based on the success of today’s meeting, it is clear that there is significant momentum and enthusiasm for future AmCham Defense and Security Dialogue events. With its mix of expert speakers and industry leaders, today’s event has set a high bar for future discussions, and we look forward to continued cooperation on these crucial defense and security topics.
Photos by Rasmus from ACube Agency