The European Network Remembrance and Solidarity (ENRS), in cooperation with Finnish and international partners, is proud to announce the 13th edition of the European Remembrance Symposium and the International Conference on the 50th Anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act, to be held from 10–12 June 2025 in Helsinki, Finland.
This special edition, titled The Spirit of Helsinki Then and Now, marks five decades since the signing of the landmark Helsinki Final Act of 1975, which laid the groundwork for fostering dialogue, security, and respect for human rights across Europe. The conference will bring together leading scholars, policymakers, civil society representatives, and practitioners to reflect on the continuing relevance of the “Spirit of Helsinki” in today’s complex geopolitical landscape.
Throughout the three-day event, participants will explore the multifaceted legacy of the Final Act, grassroots dynamics, and the ongoing struggle for human rights and democratic values.
A highlight of the programme will take place on 12 June, during the “Helsinki from Below: Grassroots Dynamics and Human Rights” Day, which focuses on civic engagement and bottom-up approaches to peace and human rights.
We are pleased to announce that Dr. Anja Mihr, Academic Director of the MA in Human Rights and Sustainability (MAHRS) programme at the OSCE Academy, and renowned scholar in human rights, governance, and transitional justice, will be one of the key speakers in the Panel Discussion 3: Outlook: Lessons Learnt? – The Spirit of Helsinki from 1990 up to Now. Dr. Mihr’s insights will provide a vital perspective on how grassroots movements and human rights advocacy continue to shape the spirit of Helsinki in contemporary Europe.
The event promises to be a timely and essential forum for reflection, dialogue, and future-oriented thinking on the enduring impact of the Helsinki process.
For further details, please visit: https://enrs.eu/edition/european-remembrance-symposium-2025
