Helsinki+50 Conference: Respecting the Legacy, Preparing for the Future
To mark the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act, Finland organises a high-level conference at Finlandia Hall on 31 July 2025. While the conference respects and pays tribute to the legacy of Helsinki 1975, it also reminds us that the OSCE's shared principles are not merely memories of the past but must continue to guide us even in turbulent times. The conference highlights the role of civil society in advancing respect for OSCE principles and commitments.
The Finnish Chairpersonship has invited representatives of the OSCE participating States, OSCE Partners for Co-operation, OSCE executive structures, and OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, as well as representatives of civil society and international organisations to participate at the Helsinki+50 Conference.
Video recording of the conference
The parts of the programme with a bolded title were livestreamed.
Conference programme
The Helsinki+50 Conference will take place at Finlandia Hall on 31 July 2025.
The programme is subject to change.
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 08.00 | Conference venue opens, refreshments available |
| 08.45-09.30 | Side events organised by civil society |
10.00-10.15
|
Opening of the Conference Opening Address by OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland Ms. Elina Valtonen |
10.15-11.15
|
High-level Key Notes President of the Republic of Finland, President of Ukraine, United Nations Secretary-General, OSCE Secretary General, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Interim Executive Director of Human Rights Watch, |
11.15-12.15
|
RESPECT: How to strengthen respect for the foundational principles of European security? Panel discussion Moderator: Mr. Stephen Sackur OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia, Minister of State for Europe, North America and Overseas Territories of the United Kingdom, President and CEO of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, |
| 12.15-13.45 | Lunch break |
| 12.30-13.15 | Side events organised by civil society |
13.45-14.45
|
RESPOND: How can states and civil society jointly address threats to peace, human rights and democracy? Panel discussion Moderator: Ms. Katri Makkonen Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovenia, Secretary-General of International IDEA, |
| 14.45-15.15 | Coffee Break |
15.15-16.15
|
PREPARE: What can we learn from the past 50 years, and what are our aspirations for the next 50? Panel discussion Moderator: Mr. Stephen Sackur Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism of Malta, |
16.15-16.45
|
Principles in Action: The impact of the OSCE and Launch of Helsinki+50 Fund Moderator: Ms. Katri Makkonen OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland |
| 16.45-17.00 | Closing of the Conference |
| 17.00-18.00 | Reception |
| 18.00-19.30 | Screening of The Helsinki Effect documentary film |
Side events
During the Helsinki+50 Conference, there will be side events organised by civil society organisations. The organisers of the conference have allocated civil society organisations side event slots to proposals according to criteria emphasising the proposals’ alignment with the Helsinki Principles. In the selection process, attention was given to the diversity of the proposals in terms of themes, organisers, speakers, and geographical focus. Please note that the side events won't be livestreamed. You can find the programme of the side events here (PDF).
Accessibility
The conference venue, Finlandia Hall, is accessible for persons with disabilities. The main doorways are wide enough for wheelchair access and are fitted with electronic door opening buttons. Taxis are allowed to drive up to the main entrances. The side event rooms are accessible by elevator. Accessible toilets are located on each floor. Personal assistants must be registered and linked to the main participant in the registration form under “additional information”. Assistance dogs are welcome.
Finlandia Hall auditorium is equipped with an audio induction loop. There will also be dedicated space for participants using wheelchairs.
Side event rooms are accessible to a limited degree. Please communicate any special needs well in advance to the organisers (helsinki50.MFA(a)gov.fi).
Information for the media
Representatives of the media are welcome to follow the event. A media center with working space for the media will be provided at Finlandia Hall. The media center will be open on the day of the conference between 7:00–19:30 Finnish time.
During the conference, there will be several photo opportunities, and arrangements will be made to facilitate media meetings with high-level guests. Advance registration is required for media engagements, which will be pooled and allocated based on availability.
Before the conference, the media will also have an opportunity to participate in a special programme organised by the City of Helsinki. More information can be found on the registration form.
Media accreditation
Media accreditation to the Conference has closed.
Accreditation is required for access to the event, the media programme, and for participation in a special programme organised by the city. Please note that registration does not guarantee automatic entry. Media will be notified of their accreditation status separately.
The most up-to-date information will be available on this page.