Helsinki+50 Conference: Respecting the Legacy, Preparing for the Future
To mark the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act, Finland will organize 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 will also highlight the role of civil society in advancing respect for OSCE principles and commitments.
How to register for the conference
The Finnish Chairpersonship invites 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 join us for the Helsinki+50 Conference.
If you wish to participate in the Helsinki+50 Conference, you are requested to fill out this form by 27 June 2025.
Due to physical limitations of the conference venue, organisers may need to limit participation. Please note that registrations must be approved; approvals will be sent via e-mail. Only persons with an approved registration will be allowed to participate.
You can also follow the conference online. A link to the stream will be added to this webpage closer to the event.
Conference programme
The Helsinki+50 Conference will take place at Finlandia Hall on 31 July 2025.
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 08.00 | Conference venue opens |
| 9.00-9.45 | Side events organised by civil society organisations |
| 10.00-10.15 | Opening of the Conference |
| 10.15-11.15 | High-level Key Notes |
| 11.15-12.15 | RESPECT: How to strengthen respect for the foundational principles of European security? Panel discussion |
| 12.15-13.45 | Lunch |
| 12.30-13.15 | Side events organised by civil society organisations |
| 13.45-14.45 | RESPOND: How can states and civil society jointly address threats to peace, human rights and democracy? Panel discussion |
| 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 |
| 16.15-17.00 | Launch of the Helsinki+50 Fund and 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.
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 and the media center will be open on the day of the conference between 7:00–20:00 Finnish time (subject to changes).
During the day of the event, there will be several photo opportunities for the media. Media representatives will be pooled on the basis of advance registration.
Before the conference, the media will also have an opportunity to participate in a special programme organised by the City of Helsinki. More information will be provided later.
Rooms have been reserved for media accommodation at the Sokos Hotel Vaakuna which is located within walking distance of Finlandia Hall. Fixed-priced accommodation must be reserved directly from the hotel at the latest 23 June 2025. You can get more information on how to reserve a room via email (helsinki50.MFA(a)gov.fi).
Media accreditation
A link to media accreditation is expected to open on 21 July 2025.
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. Approved media will be notified of their accreditation status separately.
Further details about the media programme and accreditation will be provided at a later time. The most up-to-date information will be available on this page.