Recap Pre-NATO Summit event: Securing The Future in The Hague

On 23 June, the pre-NATO Summit event ‘Securing the Future: Innovation for Resilience’ took place in The Hague, the international city of Peace, Justice and Security. Rapid deployment of dual-use technologies to enhance the resilience of NATO-countries and societies was key. It offered a high-level platform for strategic dialogue, international cooperation, and the exchange of cutting-edge ideas.

The presence of delegates from 33 NATO member states in The Hague part of the NATO-top provided a unique opportunity to organise this event and establish new cross-border connections. Because international cooperation is crucial for sustainably strengthening Europe’s resilience.

The municipality of The Hague and the province of South Holland organised the event in close collaboration with several cluster organisations, amongst Security Delta (HSD) and was supported by NATO DIANA, NATO Innovation Fund and the Dutch ministry of Defense. The divers programme joined by 750 visitors included keynotes, panel discussions, workshops, matchmaking and an Expo.

Facts & Figures:

• 750 Visitors
• 32 Sessions
• 171 Speakers
• 45 Exhibitors
• 321 Matches (and many more informal connections)

Expo & Matchmaking

45 Exhibitors showcased their innovative (dual-use) solutions at the Expo, including HSD partners DTACT, LiveDrop, On2IT, Modat, PX-systems and Yokai. Together with the matchmaking programme, It was the place to be for making new connections and being on top of the latest innovations. State secretary Gijs Tuinman also visited several booths at the Expo after his panel discussion on stage.

Cybersecurity & Resilience Track

The event included 8 different tracks: Security & Space, Cyber Security & Resilience, Unmanned Systems for Security, AI & Data, Security in a Quantum Future, Future of Supply Chains, Investing in Future Security and Rapid Adoption. HSD organised the cyber track in close collaboration with our partners. Our contribution is in line with the HSD ambitions regarding dual use, security by design and our existing cyber resilience programmes and ambition to support the Ministry of Defence in the same way. 

The cyber track included:

• Keynote - Strength in Unity: Securing the Cyber Ecosystem Through Trust and Information Sharing: 
  By Manisha Parmar, Head NATO Cyber Security Centre Transformation Branch (NCI Agency)

   

• Panel Discussion - The Global Storm: cyber threats, dual use & innovation opportunities in the real-world of Cyber Defence 
  With Christine Foekens (Ministry of Defence), Lokke Moerel (Forrester/Tilburg University / Cyber Security Council), Maarten Tossings (TNO), Patrick Moreu (LiveDrop), Henri van Soest (RAND Europe) and moderated by Joris den Bruinen (HSD)
  
  
• Cyber War Game: Intrusion & Impact
  by: Peter Roelofsma (Cybersecurity Living Lab/ HHS)
  
  
• YES!Delft Cybersecurity Accelerator Pitching Finals 2025
  by Moshe Sijben & Amber Marijs and pitchers Yokai, Manukai, Vydar, Riskapp, Keepyourhomeip and Passguard.

Organisation 

The event is organised by the Municipality of The Hague and Province of Zuid-Holland in close collaboration with Dutch Ministry of Defence, NATO DIANA, NATO Innovation Fund, ROM Nederland, HSD, METIP, Topsector ICT, Spacened, Quantum Delta NL, ONHN, TU Delft, The Hague & Partners, Enterprise Europe Network, InnovationQuarter, BOM, YES! Delft, Unknown Campus, Unmanned Valley, SeaSec, Droneport Rotterdam, Netherlands Enterprise Agency, HiDelta, NL Space Campus, CSyll, Aerospace Delta

Especially today, innovation is vital to strengthening resilience and addressing tomorrow’s challenges. Together we Secure the Future!

More info: https://securingthefuture.info

Photo credits: Fleur Beemster, commissioned by gemeente DH and Provincie Zuid-Holland