A strong Lithuanian presence in New York during UN General Assembly High-Level Week and Climate Week

New York Lithuanian Professionals Club members had the opportunity to attend two Lithuania- and Baltic-focused events at the Union League Club: the Presidential Business Forum on Resilience and the Senior-Level Baltic–U.S. Panel on Strengthening Security and Resilience.

The morning forum brought together President Gitanas Nausėda, Energy Minister Lukas Savickas, U.S. and Lithuanian policymakers, business leaders and energy experts for conversations on energy security, critical infrastructure, innovation and investment. It also marked a concrete step in U.S.–Lithuanian energy cooperation with the signing of a long-term LNG agreement between Ignitis and EQT Corporation.

One particularly memorable story came from Merav Ceren, Senior Director for International Energy Policy at the White House National Energy Dominance Council, who spoke during the Energy Security & Infrastructure panel. She shared that she keeps in her office a piece of the cable connected to Lithuania’s historic break from the Russian-controlled electricity system and synchronization with Continental Europe — a tangible reminder of what a small country can achieve with determination and a clear strategic direction. Lithuania and the other Baltic states disconnected from the Russian-controlled BRELL system and synchronized with Continental Europe in February 2025.

The afternoon turned to security and resilience, with Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys discussing Baltic–U.S. security cooperation, NATO’s northeastern flank and the evolving conventional and hybrid threat environment. The program also included a conversation with former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, moderated by Linas Kojala. Another moment of pride — seeing a Lithuanian think tank bring this level of conversation to New York.

And the Lithuanian agenda across New York has continued well beyond these two events.

We have been following updates from the Consulate General of Lithuania in New York and the Permanent Mission of Lithuania to the United Nations as the Lithuanian delegation participates in meetings throughout UNGA week.

The U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright met with Minister Lukas Savickas to discuss long-term U.S. gas supplies, critical infrastructure and cooperation on next-generation nuclear energy. Secretary Wright became the first high-ranking U.S. official to visit the Consulate, just as it celebrates its 100th anniversary.

Across diplomacy, security, energy, business, and innovation, Lithuania is very much present in New York this week.

A sincere thank you to the Consulate General of Lithuania in New York, Baltic American Chamber of Commerce, American-Lithuanian Business Council, Geopolitics and Security Studies Center, and all the partners involved for organizing such interesting, timely, and important conversations during one of New York’s busiest international weeks.

And thank you to our NYLP members who attended — and to everyone who shared these invitations across our network, helping more people take part in these conversations.

We were glad to be there, listen, lea,rn and connect.

Photo credits: Office of the President of the Republic of Lithuania / Robertas Dačkus; Sondra Litvaitytė