Sunday, April 12th | Keynote: From Vision to Contribution: A Personal Journey & Breakout: Build and Invest Beyond the Defence Industry to Bolster Our Security in Europe

Eleonora Russell is a strategic communications advisor specialising in defence and societal resilience. From 2021 to 2025, she advised the NATO Military Committee—the Alliance's highest military authority—on strategic military communications, helping to strengthen the clarity and coherence of NATO's messaging during a period of significant geopolitical and security challenges.

In this role, she contributed to building support for increased defence investments and for strengthening international cooperation and societal resilience across NATO member states. Previously, from 2017 to 2021, Eleonora worked as a senior speechwriter at the Dutch Ministry of Defence, writing speeches, articles, and op-eds for the Minister of Defence, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Chief of Defence.

Earlier in her career, she served as a speechwriter to the President of the Dutch Senate.

Eleonora is the co-author of Who Wants Peace, Must Prepare for War, written with Admiral (ret.) Rob Bauer, former Chairman of the NATO Military Committee. Her work has received international recognition, including the Grand Cicero Award, the NATO Meritorious Service Medal, and the Gold Decoration of Merit from the Dutch Ministry of Defence.

On Sunday Eleonora will speak about “From Vision to Contribution: A Personal Journey,” a conversation on how personal values can be translated into meaningful action and contribution.

In addition, during the breakout "Build and Invest Beyond the Defence Industry to Bolster Our Security in Europe," Eleonora explores how Europe's long-term security depends not only on military strength but also on broader societal resilience, strategic investments, and cross-sector collaboration.

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