In 2026, the world is becoming technologically more advanced but from the human perspective it is more fragile than ever before. While we build digital "shells", seeking external validation, we also risk forgetting the most crucial element of "the system" – being human.

Technology is the variable. The economy is volatile. The human is the core.

This year's forum will challenge our conventional thinking on individual and societal security and resilience. Our stability does not begin with strengthening defence budgets, but starts with human cognitive abilities, emotional intelligence, and inclusive leadership. If the core cannot withstand the pressure, the stability of the system cannot be relied upon.

This forum will combine neuroscience, leadership skills, business strategies, and personal experiences to seek answers to a vital question on how do we safeguard and strengthen humanity in an era that demands we be better than robots? This will be a guide to a human through a new lens.

The Diversity and Inclusion Forum has been held since 2021, gathering Latvian and international experts to provide a positive impact on promoting inclusive work environments and the society.

Venue: University of Latvia Botanical Garden, Riga

Languages: Latvian and English

Organized by: Latvian Diversity Charter

Diversity and Inclusion Forum 2026 - Riga is taking place in framework of Riga Pride 2026 and 35th EBRD Annual Meeting and Business Forum programme

Inspired by Swedbank Latvia

Supported by FYUL, EBRD, DNB Latvia Branch

09:30 – 10:00 ARRIVAL

10:00 – 10:15 OPENING - THE HUMAN CORE

High-level government official (TBC)

JEVGENIJS IVANOVS: Member of the Board of Swedbank Latvia, Head of Corporate Banking

10:15 – 11:30 BLOCK I - THE MIND CORE

"Cognitive Fortress: Perception as the Foundation of Security."

Content: A scientific look at how our brains construct reality and the image of an enemy. How to train "cognitive courage" and not get lost in the age of disinformation.

11:45 – 13:00 BLOCK II - THE ENERGY CORE

Theme: "Human Energy as a Renewable Resource."

Speaker: Internationally recognized expert.

Content: Why happiness and optimism are vital economic indicators? A provocative view that gloomy societies do not develop and cannot innovate.

10:55 – 11:35 | BLOCK III - THE CORE OF HUMANITY

HUMANITY - THE COURAGE TO BE FRAGILE

Speaker: HENRIETA VERHAUSTINSKA (TBC)

Content: An emotional story of personal crisis as a metaphor for societal recovery. Strength through vulnerability.

THE CORE - HUMANITY AS A STRATEGY

PĀRSLA BAŠKO - Chief People & Culture Officer, FYUL (Printful, Printify & Snow Commerce)

Content: Humanity in business as a strategic competence. How to lead teams in crisis while maintaining empathy and results?

11:35 – 12:30 | BLOCK IV - THE LEADER'S CORE

KEYNOTE SPEECH

Speaker: (TBC)

Theme: "New Leadership: Courage to Change the Rules of the Game."

FIRESIDE CHAT

Participants: International guest & government level (TBC).

Theme: "Security through Humanity." How policy can strengthen societal resilience rather than increase fear?

12:30 – 13:30 | LUNCH & NETWORKING

13:30 – 14:30 | BLOCK V - PRACTICAL ACTION

INTERACTION – (NON)COLLABORATION IN A TEAM

Expert: LĪGA BĒRZIŅA (TBC)

Content: How to neutralize aggression (clients, colleagues) without a fight.

SECURITY – SOOTHE RADICALIZATION

Expert: (TBC)

Content: How to handle external polarization in the office. How leaders can recognize and mitigate radicalization within a team while maintaining an inclusive environment.

14:30 – 14:45 | BREAK

14:45 – 15:30 | BLOCK VI - THE ECONOMIC CORE

Panel Discussion: "Investing in the Person: The Economics of Resilience."

LĪVA ZORGENFREIJA - Chief Economist for Swedbank Latvija

MARCIN TOMASZEWSKI - Lead Economist for the EU region at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development

Content: Resilience of human capital as the primary guarantee of investment security.

15:30 – 15:45 | CLOSING - STRENGTHEN YOUR CORE

15:45 – ... | INFORMAL PART