The Brussels Resilience Forum, co-founded by FIPRA Public Affairs and rani (Resilience Action Network International, previously known as PAN), is an ambitious initiative to advance a people-centred resilience strategy from across health, defence, civil protection, and industry. At a pivotal moment for Europe’s security, the Forum will spotlight how these sectors can contribute to a whole-of-society approach to resilience, while exploring the challenges and opportunities of policy making and preparedness investment.
With a focus on strategic partnerships for strengthening health resilience for communities and systems, the Symposium will bring together senior representatives from NATO, European institutions, national governments, industry, civil society, academia, and leading research institutions.
Confirmed speakers for the 4 Dec. 2025 inaugural symposium include:
- Dr. Heidy Rombouts, Director General, Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid, Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Major General (rtd) Professor TJ Hodgetts, Former Chair of NATO Committee of the Chiefs of Military Medical Services COMEDS; Chair of the Advisory Board of the Brussels Resilience Forum
- Ms. Sandra Gallina, Director General, Directorate-General for Health & Food Safety (DG SANTE), EU Commission
- Brigadier General Petter Iversen, Chair, NATO Committee of the Chiefs of Military Medical Services COMEDS
- Dr. Florika Fink-Hooijer, Director-General, DG HERA
- Commander (DEU Navy) Christian Haggenmiller, MD, Medical Adviser, European Union Military Staff (EUMS), European External Action Service (EEAS), European Union
- Dr. Veli-Mikko Niemi, Permanent Secretary Finnish Ministry of Social Affairs and Health
- Mrs. Arthi Kumar, UK Representative to NATO Resilience Committee
- Ms. Felicitas Riedl, Director of the Innovation and Competitiveness Department, European Investment Bank
- Dr. Elizabeth Thompson, Executive Director, Policy and Partnerships, Wellcome
- Mr. Ask Eirik Storsve, Sr. Director, Head of International Government Affairs, Emergent BioSolutions
- Ms. Jo Taylor, VP Corporate & Government Affairs, Shionogi
- Eloise Todd, Executive Director and Founder, rani
- Laura Batchelor, Managing Partner, FIPRA Public Affairs
Participants at the Inaugural Symposium will have the opportunity to become part of the Brussels Resilience Forum’s network, shaping thinking around:
- Health, security and preparedness as pillars of resilience: Assessing readiness for the future – R&I, dual-use, crisis preparedness & health system resilience
- Translating military spending into civilian benefit: The value of financing innovations for health, security, and preparedness