Lithuania � A Start-Up Nation

Join the Alaska World Affairs Council for "Lithuania: A Start-Up Nation" with Ambassador Zygimantas Pavilionis, ambassador of Lithuania to the United States and to Mexico. This program will take place on Friday, June 5th at noon at the Anchorage Hilton Hotel, and is part of our Summer Ambassador Series.

Could Lithuania be the next Start-up Nation? Positioned at the meeting point of the EU, Nordic and Asian countries with business-friendly tax incentives, an educated (largely English-speaking) workforce, one of the fastest internet networks in the world, and a strong culture of entrepreneurship, Lithuanian is on the rise. The first of the Soviet republics to declare independence after the collapse of the Soviet Union, Lithuania adopted the Euro on January 1, 2015. This timely, momentous decision both symbolically and economically anchors Lithuania within the Eurozone at a time when the region is seeking greater security guarantees from their allies amid fears of growing Russian expansionism.

Doors open at 11:30 am; come early to network and secure your seat. This event is free for students and up to 25 active duty military with valid IDs.

Speaker and Presenter Information

Come hear from His Excellency, �ygimantas Pavilionis, Lithuanian Ambassador to the United States and Mexico, and discover the factors that have contributed to Lithuania’s transformation since 1990; how Lithuania is out-pacing its Baltic neighbors in foreign direct investment and job creation; and what opportunities might exist for invigorated economic and diplomatic ties with the U.S.

�ygimantas Pavilionis became ambassador of Lithuania to the United States on Aug. 5, 2010.Born on August 22, 1971, in Vilnius, Pavilionis grew up with parents who prized higher education. He attended college at Vilnius University, where he earned a master’s degree in philosophy and postgraduate diploma in international relations. Ambassador Pavilionis joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1993 and was instrumental in helping Lithuania achieve accession into NATO and the European Union. Pavilionis was then promoted to lead the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ European Integration Department from 2002-2004. Most recently, he served as ambassador-at-large and chief coordinator for Lithuania’s presidency of the Community of Democracies, as well as chief coordinator for the Transatlantic Cooperation and Security Policy Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.Pavilionis and his wife, Lina Pavilioniene, have four sons.

Expected Number of Attendees

150

Relevant Government Agencies

Air Force, Army, Navy & Marine Corps, Intelligence Agencies, DOD & Military, Dept of Commerce, Dept of Education, Dept of Homeland Security, Dept of State, State Government, County Government, City Government, Municipal Government, CIA, Coast Guard, USAID