Today and tomorrow, October 30–31, Riga is hosting 5G Techritory, Europe’s leading 5G ecosystem forum. The event brings together 800 in-person and 1,200 online participants from across the globe, including representatives from the US, Canada, Switzerland, Denmark, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Dominican Republic, Egypt, Turkey, and more. Dedicated to advancing the 5G ecosystem, the forum aims to foster knowledge exchange, collaboration, and technological progress at national and European levels.
Over two days, more than 90 technology experts - including Luz Fernandez, Chief of Digital Innovation and Technology at the NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA); Leslie Shannon, Head of Trend and Innovation Scouting at Nokia; and Benjamin Brake, Director General for Digital and Data Policy at Germany’s Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) - will present the latest industry issues and innovations. Latvia is represented at the forum by Prime Minister Evika Silina, Minister of Smart Administration and Regional Development Inga Berzina, Minister of Foreign Affairs Baiba Braze, Minister of Defense Andris Spruds, and other policymakers contributing to discussions on Europe’s technological development.
This year's forum will focus on cybersecurity challenges and solutions, the role of quantum technology in network security, and the development and application of 6G technology. Key topics will also include advancing autonomous transport systems, telemedicine, and digital inclusion, with efforts to reduce digital inequality and make technology accessible to all members of society. Special emphasis will be placed on artificial intelligence, which offers vast opportunities yet presents complex challenges, particularly in data security and privacy. 5G Techritory is addressing these issues proactively, preparing Latvia to meet AI-related challenges through collaborative events and panel discussions exploring AI's potential, challenges, and solutions.
"Latvia stands as a leader in digital development in Europe, with over 90% of public administration services accessible online. Latvian scientists and entrepreneurs have excelled in this field, demonstrating remarkable capabilities. Now, we are ready to take the next step by establishing an Artificial Intelligence Excellence Center designed to drive experimentation, foster innovation, and share our solutions on a global scale. The 5G Techritory conference serves as a crucial platform, uniting global leaders and facilitating new connections and collaborations for the application of digital solutions across business, security, healthcare, science, and beyond," emphasizes Raivis Bremsmits, Director General of the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia.
A particularly significant highlight of 5G Techritory is the participation of representatives from Ukraine's Ministry of Digital Transformation, underscoring the strengthened partnership between Latvia and Ukraine in advancing digitalization. With Latvia's support, Ukraine is progressing toward European standards and fostering deeper collaboration with the European Union (EU), technology leaders, and telecommunications companies. At the forum, Ukrainian representatives share invaluable insights into telecommunications stability and digital transformation. Despite the challenges of war and ongoing infrastructure recovery, Ukraine continues to innovate and pursue a digital future aligned with EU standards. Representing Ukraine are key officials from the Ministry of Digital Transformation - Stanislav Pribitko, Head of the Electronic Communications and Radio Frequency Spectrum Directorate, and Elina Gansetska, Legal and European Integration Expert. They emphasize the resilience of Ukraine's telecommunications sector in adapting to continuous challenges and its readiness to share these experiences with international partners.
"Ukraine has experience in managing both long-term and short-term crises. Our resilience and growth in the telecommunications sector, despite the destruction caused by war, is proof of this," says Stanislav Pribitko. "Technology is one of Ukraine's pillars of stability, both on the battlefield and in supporting the resilience of Ukrainian society. We have developed technological solutions that can withstand cyberattacks and ensure mobile communication and internet access for Ukrainians. Currently, we are working towards aligning our legislation with European standards. We are grateful for the support received and optimistic about future collaborations focused on rebuilding Ukraine. Together, we can build a stronger future for both Ukraine and Europe."
A delegation from Moldova will also attend the forum. Like the Ukrainian representatives, they will learn from Latvia's experience in digitalization towards the EU.
Alongside presentations, the forum features panel discussions and co-creation events – overall, 23 are planned. One of these will occur on October 31 at the Ādaži Military Base in collaboration with NATO Digital Backbone Experimentation. Representatives from government, military, industry, academia, and NGOs will discuss NATO's role in facilitating the deployment of military UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) and counter-UAS activities in the Baltic States. Dronesm - unmanned aerial vehicles that operate autonomously, without human control, or beyond the line of sight - have become especially relevant, offering unparalleled advantages in defense and across sectors. Their applications range from enhancing agricultural efficiency and rapid emergency response to revolutionary logistics and infrastructure inspections. To advance the implementation of these technologies, NATO ACT will host a co-creation event in partnership with 5 G Technology focused on use cases for civilian, governmental, and military UAS operations and related topics.
The forum content can be accessed for free online, with English as the event's official language. Prior registration is required to participate: Welcome to 5G TECHRITORY 2024. Media representatives can register here: Registration for media.
5G Techritory is Europe’s leading 5G ecosystem forum, now in its seventh year. Organized by the Electronic Communications Office of Latvia, in partnership with the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia, the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development, and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the forum brings together key players in the industry. Its strategic partner is LMT, with additional support from the Nordic Council of Ministers and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
The event has earned three international awards: two Amber Event Awards (Grand Prix and Best Online Event of 2020) and the prestigious Virtual Events Institute Virtual & Hybrid Conference award.