ALLATRA Movement Representatives Attend Forum at the UN Vienna on the 50th Anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act

On Friday, December 5, 2025, representatives of the ALLATRA movement participated in an information and discussion meeting titled “50 Years of the Helsinki Accords: Lessons for Today”, organized by the Forum of Representatives of International NGOs accredited at the United Nations in Vienna.

About the Helsinki Final Act

2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act (Helsinki Accords), signed in 1975 by 35 countries. It is one of the most important diplomatic documents of the 20th century and laid the foundation for the future Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).

The Helsinki Accords established common rules for security in Europe:

• Respect for state sovereignty;
• Inviolability of borders;
• Peaceful settlement of disputes;
• Respect for human rights;
• Cooperation in economic, ecological, and humanitarian matters.

As stated by the organizers of the conference European security is facing the deepest crisis since the Cold War, many principles of the Helsinki Final Act have been violated, and the OSCE is under pressure. The 50th anniversary is an important occasion to reflect on which elements of Helsinki ’75 are still effective today and which need to be updated.

Speakers and Key Topics

• Ms. Anna Salovaara, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy and Permanent Mission of Finland, Vienna, discussed the historical significance of the Helsinki process and its role in maintaining peace and trust among states.
• Dr. Heinz Gärtner, Lecturer at the University of Vienna, Chair of the Advisory Board of the International Institute for Peace (IIP), addressed the failures of the European security system, including distortions of international law, erosion of trust between states, and the decline of the OSCE as a platform for dialogue.
• Dr. Loic Simonet, Researcher at the Austrian Institute for International Affairs (oiip) and former OSCE staff member, shared insights on the role of the OSCE in the 21st century: whether the organization can remain effective amid conflicts between major powers, how to restore its ability to prevent wars, and the potential need for a “new Helsinki process.”
• Mr. Tord Björk, Coordinator of the Helsinki +50 People’s Initiative (Nordic Peace Alliance), spoke about civil initiatives and international cooperation in promoting peaceful coexistence.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. Lessons of Helsinki ’75 for Today’s Conflicts

• Why the Helsinki Accords became a successful tool for peaceful coexistence during the Cold War.
• Elements that remain relevant today: dialogue, transparency, verifiable agreements, diplomacy, and civic engagement.

2. Why the European Security System Failed

• Distortions of international law, erosion of trust between states, crisis of mutual obligations, and the decline of the OSCE’s role.

3. The Role of the OSCE in the 21st Century

• Can the organization remain effective amid conflicts between major powers?
• How to restore the OSCE’s ability to prevent wars and whether a “new Helsinki process” is needed.

Representatives of the ALLATRA movement actively contributed to the discussion with speakers, sharing perspectives on building trust between states, developing civic initiatives, and promoting international cooperation, as well as the role of NGOs in advancing humanitarian values and sustainable peace.

The participation of the ALLATRA Movement in this forum underscores the organization’s commitment to the principles enshrined in the Helsinki Final Act: dialogue, respect for human rights, international cooperation, and the peaceful resolution of conflicts. In the context of the current crisis of the security system, the active involvement of civil society and non-governmental organizations becomes a key factor in preserving and renewing these principles in today’s world.

The ALLATRA movement continues to engage actively with international platforms, fostering dialogue and exchange of experience between NGO representatives, state actors, and international organizations.

About ALLATRA International Public Movement

ALLATRA International Public Movement is an independent, volunteer-based organization dedicated to carrying out large-scale research in geodynamics and environmental issues. ALLATRA IPM is recognized for its interdisciplinary approach to the study of natural disasters, for promoting international scientific cooperation and advocating human rights and fundamental freedoms.

In recognition of its commitment to environmental protection and preservation of creation, ALLATRA International Public Movement was granted an Apostolic Blessing by His Holiness Pope Francis in 2024. In 2025, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV bestowed an Apostolic Blessing upon the President of ALLATRA and all its volunteers.

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