Presidential Business Forum on Resilience Brings Nearly 150 Leaders Together in New York City
Today, September 21, 2026, nearly 150 government officials, business executives, investors, energy leaders, and technology innovators gathered today at the prestigious Union League Club in Manhattan for the Presidential Business Forum on Resilience, held during the 2026 United Nations General Assembly High-Level Week and Climate Week.
Under the theme “Advancing Energy Security Through Strategic Partnership,” the Forum brought together leaders from Lithuania and the United States for high-level dialogue on energy security, critical infrastructure, innovation, investment, and transatlantic business cooperation.
Presidential Keynote
The Forum opened with remarks by H.E. Gitanas Nausėda, President of the Republic of Lithuania, followed by a fireside conversation moderated by Morgan Phillips of Fox News Digital.
President Nausėda addressed the importance of continued transatlantic cooperation and strong partnerships between Lithuania and the United States at a time when energy security, infrastructure resilience, and technological innovation are strategic priorities.
The presidential participation underscored the importance of strengthening economic and business ties between Lithuania and the United States.
A New Energy Partnership
A major highlight of the Forum was the signing of a long-term LNG agreement between Ignitis and EQT Corporation, signed by Andrius Kavaliauskas, CEO of Ignitis, and Toby Z. Rice, President & CEO of EQT Corporation.
The signing marked an important moment for energy cooperation and was followed by remarks from Lithuanian and U.S. officials.
President Nausėda also presented the Commander's Cross of the Order for Merits to Lithuania to Fred H. Hutchison, President & CEO of LNG Allies, recognizing his contribution to Lithuania–U.S. cooperation.
Energy Security & Innovation
The Forum featured two executive-level panel discussions addressing critical areas of transatlantic cooperation.
The Energy Security & Infrastructure panel brought together Merav Ceren, Senior Director of the National Energy Dominance Council at The White House; Toby Z. Rice, President & CEO of EQT Corporation; Fred H. Hutchison, President & CEO of LNG Allies; and Mindaugas Keizeris, CEO of EPSO-G. The discussion was moderated by Giovanna Komst, MPH, Vice President of the American-Lithuanian Business Council.
The panel explored energy supply security, infrastructure modernization, regional cooperation, and investment opportunities.
The Innovation & Advanced Technologies panel featured Monika Paulė, CEO of Innovation Agency Lithuania | Global; Andrius Kavaliauskas, CEO of Ignitis Lietuva; Giedrius Kvedaravičius, CEO of Evecon; and Giordano Sordoni, COO of Xos Trucks. The discussion was moderated by Roman Kramarchuk, Head of Energy Transition Narratives and Policy at S&P Global.
The conversation focused on emerging technologies and solutions supporting resilient energy systems, infrastructure, electric mobility, and the broader energy transition.
Strengthening Transatlantic Business Connections
Beyond the formal program, the Forum provided an opportunity for senior government, business, investment, and technology leaders to connect and explore new partnerships.
An executive networking reception followed the panel discussions, with an invitation-only Investment Roundtable continuing the conversation on energy, infrastructure, investment, and emerging opportunities.
The Forum highlighted Lithuania’s growing role as a strategic partner in energy security, innovation, and technology while creating opportunities for deeper commercial cooperation between Lithuanian and U.S. organizations.
Held at the Union League Club during one of the most important weeks on the international business and climate calendar, the Presidential Business Forum on Resilience brought together decision-makers around a shared objective: strengthening partnerships that support a more secure, innovative, and resilient transatlantic economy.
The Baltic American Chamber of Commerce (BACC) thanks all speakers, sponsors, partners, participants, and guests for contributing to this important dialogue and to the continued growth of U.S.–Lithuanian business cooperation.
