Day 2 Opening Session: Global trade wars and the EV market
Time: April 10, 2025, 10:00-11:00
Place: Main stage
Keynotes:
- Drew Kodjak: The Global EV Transition from Dieselgate to the Biden White House to Today
- Thomas Seltzer in conversation with Lars Godbolt
- Jane Akumu
In the opening session on day 2 we start off with a keynote by Drew Kodjak, Co-founder and President/CEO in the International Council on Clean Transportation. His keynote will give us insights into how the ICCT uncovered the Dieselgate scandal where Volkswagen had cheated on US polluting emission tests, and about his time working as a Senior Director of Transportation Emissions in the White House Climate Policy Office for the Biden administration. He will finish with his outlook on the rapid policy changes we are seeing today.
In a conversation with Lars Godbolt, Thomas Seltzer, a Norwegian TV host with an American passport, will share his views on where his first homeland is heading. What has brought on the polarization and the difficult policy landscape the country is facing and is there any hope for an amicable and green future.
Last but not least Jane Akumu will give us an overview of how the electrification of transport is happening in different African countries.
Panel:
We will take a global outlook on the trade wars and the EV market. How is Europe, the US and Africa tackling the challenge from an industry giant like China? Our expert panel will discuss how these regions are transitioning to electric mobility, and what challenges and opportunities they face.
- Mattias Goldmann
- Drew Kodjak
- Jane Akumu
Moderator: Monica Araya

Speakers:
Drew Kodjak is a prominent figure in the field of environmental policy and vehicle emissions regulation. He is the co-founder and…
Read More »Thomas Seltzer is one of Norway’s most respected TV hosts. Many know him from the viewer success “UXA – Thomas…
Read More »Jane Akumu is currently the Africa cleaner mobility focal at the Sustainable Mobility Unit in UN Environment Programme (UNEP). She…
Read More »Mattias Goldmann is the CEO of the Swedish 2030 Secretariat, was knighted by the French government for his climate work, named…
Read More »Moderator:
Monica is a senior adviser to various initiatives. She is Director of the Natural Resources Governance Institute (NRGI)’s Governing Board,…
Read More »Lars Lund Godbolt has been passionate about cars throughout his life, investing considerable time and resources into his automotive interests.…
Read More »