HELSINKI, 31 July 2025 – President Emerita of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, Pia Kauma (Finland), addressed the Helsinki+50 Conference: Respecting the Legacy, Preparing for the Future, organized by the 2025 Finnish OSCE Chairpersonship-in-Office today.
President Emerita Pia Kauma addressing the Helsinki+50 Conference, 31 July 2025Alongside Slovenia’s Deputy Prime Minister Tanja Fajon, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Oleksandra Matviichuk, and International IDEA Secretary General Kevin Casas-Zamora, Kauma participated in the third panel discussion of the day: RESPOND: How can states and civil society jointly address threats to peace, human rights and democracy? The panel was moderated by journalist Katri Makkonen.
The discussion reflected on the OSCE’s 1990 Charter of Paris, examined threats to democracy and human rights, addressed the shrinking civic space, and considered the role of the OSCE and other international organizations in responding to today’s security challenges.
Reflecting on the significance of speaking in the same hall where the Helsinki Final Act was signed 50 years ago, Kauma recalled her personal connection to the moment. “I was just a little girl in nearby Espoo when this hall welcomed the vision of a more peaceful, democratic Europe,” Kauma said. “I hope that the Helsinki spirit—hopefully still present in this room—continues to guide us toward consensus on our common security.”
President Emerita Pia Kauma addressing the Helsinki+50 Conference, 31 July 2025Kauma noted that the world of today does not align with the visions set out in the Helsinki Final Act or the Charter of Paris. “International law is increasingly ignored and ‘might again means right,’ as it did in the Middle Ages,” Kauma said. “Principles meant to ensure peace and co-operation are now followed only when they serve national interests. As a consequence, there is less confidence and co-operation, and democracy and human rights suffer.”
She pointed to the rise of disinformation, authoritarianism, populism, and the misuse of digital tools as major threats to democracy and human rights, and called for a coordinated international response. “We need to strengthen democratic institutions, promote media literacy, protect civil society, and foster co-operation,” she said. “The OSCE and its Parliamentary Assembly have an essential role to play in this.”
Kauma also highlighted the importance of dialogue and youth engagement, noting the participation of the OSCE PA’s young representatives at the Youth Forum earlier in the week. “We have borrowed this planet from our children. It’s our responsibility to prepare them for the challenges of today and tomorrow,” she said.
