The world that emerged after the Cold War is facing deep transformation.
The resurgence of authoritarianism, war, and disinformation challenges the foundations of the international order built on human rights and democracy. Fifty years after the founding of the Helsinki Movement, this year’s Sakharov Conference reflects on the lessons of civic courage and the ongoing struggle for freedom, dignity, and justice.

09.00–09.30 Registration

09.30–10.00 Opening Session

09.30–09.40 Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

09.40–09.45 Ineta Dabasinkiene, Rector, Vytautas Magnus University

09.45–09.50 TBC

09.50–09.55 TBC

09.50–10.10 Setting the stage: Robert van Voren (LT)

10.10–10.40 In Memoriam: Semyon Gluzman

Robert van Voren (LT)

Tatiana Yankelevich (USA)

10.40–11.10 Celebrating the Helsinki groups in the USSR

Myroslav Marynovich (UA) – Ukrainian Helsinki Group

Tomas Venclova (LT) – Lithuanian Helsinki Group

Vyacheslav Bakhmin (RUS) – Moscow Helsinki Group

11.10–11.40 Coffee Break

11.40–13.00 Block 1. The mistaken sense of peace

11.40–12.00 Keynote: Robert Serry, retired Dutch and UN diplomat

12.00–13.15 Panel Discussion

Moderator: Janet Anderson

Speakers:

Yaroslav Hrytsak (UA)

Maia Mazurkewicz (PL)

Nicolas Badalassi (FR)

Andreas Persbo (NL)

13.15–14.30 Midday Break

14.30–15.00 Celebrating: Solidarność

15.00–17.00 Block 2. The Current Political Climate

15.00–15.20 Keynote: George Kent (USA) – former US diplomat

15.20–15.50 Coffee Break

15.50–17.00 Panel Discussion

Moderator: Janet Gunn

Speakers:

Dustin Byrd (USA)

George Kent (USA)

Margarita Šešelgytė (TBC)

17.00–17.30 Celebrating: Charter ’77 and the Hungarian Democratic Opposition Movement

Jan Palous – Charter ’77 (TBC)

Miklos Haraszti (H)

Evening Film Screening “To the Success of Our Hopeless Cause”

Documentary by Nicolas Miletitchå

09.00–09.30 Registration and Coffee

09.30–11.00 Block 3. Clamping Down on Civil Society

09.30–09.50 Keynote: Jana Javakhishvili (GEO)

09.50–11.00 Panel Discussion

Moderator: Janet Anderson (UK)

Speakers:

Florian Irminger (CH)

Jonathan Cohen (UK)

Jana Javakhishvili (GEO)

Tyyne Karjalainen (FIN)

11.00–11.30 Coffee Break

11.30–12.45 Block 4. A Resilient Civil Society

Panel Discussion

Moderator: Jana Javakhishvili (GEO)

Speakers:

Janet Anderson (UK)

Karolis Kaupinis (LT)

Gabija Grigaite-Daugirde (LT)

Maka Berulava (GEO)

12.45–13.00 Closing Session

The National Museum – Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania was founded in 2009 and is housed in a historic residence - the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania in Vilnius Lower Castle. After more than 20 years of extensive archaeological and historical research, some palace areas have been restored, while others have been reconstructed.

The Museum collects, preserves, researches, and presents the historical and cultural heritage of the Lithuanian state, the Grand Dutchy of Lithuania, and its rulers through various means, including permanent exhibitions of rich and unique archaeological findings, collections of European applied and fine arts from the Gothic to the Baroque periods, and other valuable materials related to Lithuanian studies.

The Museum, more than just a repository of history, is a vibrant hub of educational and cultural activities. It disseminates information on cultural tourism, facilitates state-representative events, and actively engages with civil society. Its mission is to strengthen historical consciousness, foster national values, and maintain the Lithuanian community throughout the world. It also seeks to raise awareness of cultural and artistic heritage and to present the traditional historical and cultural links between European countries and peoples.

The Conference will take place at the National Museum, set within the historic Palace of the Grand Dukes in Vilnius.

Organizers