The Role of Forest Bioeconomy in the Green Economy Transition Wednesday May 27, 2020 8:00AM-10:30AM EDT (Washington DC) 2:00PM-4:30PM CET (Brussels) | 3:00PM-5:30PM GMT+3 (Helsinki) The Embassy of Finland in Washington, D.C. and the Delegation of the European Union to the U.S. welcome you to a virtual seminar on the role of forest bioeconomy in the green economy transition. The event highlights the importance of a green recovery once we move past the economic shock caused by the COVID-crisis, as well as showcase that sectors such as forest bioeconomy have enormous growth potential and possibilities for cooperation between the US and Europe, while being environmentally sustainable. The two panel discussions bring together speakers from the European Union, Finland, U.S. Congress and the States of Maine, Michigan and Arkansas occupying various roles from policy-making to research and industry. The event is moderated by Ms. Dana Eidsness, Director of the Maine North Atlantic Development Office (MENADO), and will be opened by H.E. Kirsti Kauppi, Ambassador of Finland to the US, and H.E. Stavros Lambrinidis, Ambassador of EU to the US. Panel 1: "A Policy-Maker’s Take on the Role of Forest Bioeconomy in the Green Economy Transition" Confirmed speakers: Ms. Jaana Husu-Kallio, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Finland Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine), U.S. House Committee on Agriculture Congressman Bruce Westerman (R-Arkansas), U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources Ms. Amanda Beal, Commissioner of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, State of Maine Ms. Shannon Hanna, Natural Resources Deputy, Michigan Department of Natural Resources Panel 2: “Creating a Business Case and Catalyzing Green Growth in Sustainable Forest Bioeconomy” Confirmed speakers: Mr. Peter Wehrheim, Head of the Unit, Bioeconomy and Food Systems, Directorate General for Research and Innovation, European Commission Mr. Antti Asikainen, Executive Vice President of Research, Natural Resources Institute Finland Ms. Donna LaCourt, Forest Product Economic Development Specialist, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Mr. Jarmo Heinonen, Senior Director, Business Ecosystems, Bio-, Circular Economy and Cleantech at Business Finland Mr. Peter MacKeith, Dean and Professor of Architecture, University of Arkansas Ms. Charlotte Mace, Director, Office of Business Development from the Maine Department of Economic & Community Development Please click here to register by May 24 A participant package including the link to the webinar, a full program and speaker bios will be distributed to registered participants on the day before the event .