Speakers

Heralded as the United Kingdom’s most experienced Minister in the fields of Defence, Security, and Foreign Affairs, Rt. Hon. Ben Wallace offers extensive expertise in geopolitics and global affairs. Most recently, Wallace occupied the position as NATO’s longest-serving Defence Secretary. His time in office saw Wallace steer both the domestic and international response to Ukraine, Afghanistan, the Salisbury poisoning, the WannaCry cyberattacks, as well as NATO and defence reform. Wallace’s comprehensive experience is sought after by financial institutions, government organizations, and leaders across industries seeking a thorough examination of how geopolitical realities will impact decision-making now and in the future.

Wallace has witnessed first-hand the emergence of new technologies in Defence and the impact on our security. During his tenure as the UK’s longest-serving Conservative Defence Secretary, Wallace published the UK’s first Defence AI strategy as well as established the National Cyber Force. Wallace has worked alongside the Pentagon and the CIA across two U.S. Presidential administrations and was a key facilitator in AUKUS – the U.S./UK/Australian nuclear and technology alliance. Before serving as Defence Secretary, Wallace served as Security Minister, led on counterterrorism, cyber security, counter espionage, and economic crime. A decorated former army officer, Wallace brings first-hand personal experience to global issues. Wallace also brings substantial knowledge of the Middle East and the Pacific theatre, providing an unmatched geostrategic outlook from a European perspective.