idw – Informationsdienst Wissenschaft
Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
Helsinki/Berlin/Mainz, June 6, 2025 – In 1975, the signing of the Helsinki Final Act marked a turning point in the pursuit of peace, freedom, and human rights across Europe. To commemorate the 50th anniversary of this historic milestone, an international conference organised by Bundesstiftung Aufarbeitung, Leibniz Institute of European History (IEG) in Mainz, Chair Contemporary Church History / University of Helsinki, European Network Remembrance and Solidarity and others will take place in Helsinki from June 10 to 13, 2025, bringing together leading voices from around Europe.
Under the theme "The Spirit of Helsinki then and now – 50 Years of the Helsinki Final Act", the conference will welcome prominent eyewitnesses, political and diplomatic leaders, civil society representatives, scholars, human rights defenders, and members of faith communities. Together, they will reflect on the history, relevance, and future of the Helsinki Process and its impact on democracy, human rights, and international security.
Distinguished guests include:
• Martin Palouš and Anna Šabatová, signatories of the Czech Charter 77
• Myroslav Marynovych, Irina Scherbakowa, Markus Meckel, Marju Lauristin, and Gabriel Andreescu, renowned human rights activists and contemporary witnesses
• Prof. Dr. Sarah Snyder, leading U.S. historian specializing in the human rights dimension of the Helsinki Final Act
A special cultural highlight awaits on June 11: For the first time, musicians who once performed in the oppositional underground of communist regimes will come together on stage in Helsinki. Among the performers are:
• Vratislav Brabenec, legendary saxophonist of the Czech underground band The Plastic People of the Universe
• Stephan Krawczyk, former East German dissident, songwriter, and author
This unique concert evening will combine political history with artistic resistance and offer a powerful experience of music as a force of dissent and resilience.
The conference will serve as an open platform for dialogue and remembrance – with a clear focus on the pressing issues of today and the challenges of tomorrow. Information and registration:
https://www.bundesstiftung-aufarbeitung.de/de/veranstaltungen/spirit-helsinki-th...
https://enrs.eu/event/european-remembrance-symposium-2025
Jonathan Harnisch | Fon: 030 31 98 95 225 | E-Mail: j.harnisch@bundesstiftung-aufarbeitung.de
Dr. Juliane Schwoch | Fon: 06131 39 393 43 | E-Mail: schwoch@ieg-mainz.de
Criteria of this press release:
Journalists
History / archaeology, Politics, Social studies
transregional, national
Scientific conferences
English
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