Closing Remarks by Minister Elina Valtonen at the Helsinki+50 Conference

Closing Remarks by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland, Elina Valtonen, at the Helsinki+50 Conference, held at Finlandia Hall in Helsinki on 31 July 2025.

Dear colleagues, ladies and gentlemen,

It has been a truly remarkable day.

Today, we have had the opportunity to reflect on the legacy of the Helsinki Final Act and to discuss how we can better strengthen security for our societies. We have envisioned the future of the OSCE in the presence of over a thousand participants from the OSCE region - representing governments, civil society, academia, international organisations, and the private sector.

I am grateful for your engagement.

Let me thank all speakers, panelists, and moderators for sharing their expertise and insights.

Today´s deliberations have shown that the Helsinki Final Act is not a relic of the past, but continues to form the foundation of the European security order.

The jointly agreed Helsinki Principles are not negotiable. They are not void - even when violated by some.

I would summarize my key takeaways from these discussions as follows:

First. We need a vision, and we need to start building OSCE 2.0.

Since the signing of the Helsinki Final Act in 1975, the world has changed significantly. The overall scorecard is positive but at the same time our societies are challenged by new security threats, such as those deriving from malign or hybrid activities, climate change, or disinformation. Meanwhile, old threats persist: a spiral of arms racing has restarted due to Russia, and democracy is being challenged in many countries.

At a time when the foundations of international cooperation are being tested by conflict, mistrust and unilateral actions, we need  multilateral cooperation more than ever - cooperation that respects international law and the UN Charter. And it is precisely here that the OSCE has an important role to play.

The strength of the OSCE lies in its comprehensive concept of security. While reaffirming existing principles and commitments, we should - when the time is ripe - be ready to discuss the need for new ones that take into account emerging threats to security.

Second. We need to engage everyone in this discussion.

Governments alone cannot create a vision that meets the expectations and needs of society as a whole.

Civil society actors are essential partners for governments in many respects. They help shape policies and actions. They act as drivers of societal change. They hold governments accountable.

Here, the role of youth is especially essential. Yesterday, I received recommendations from young participants of the OSCE Chairpersonship Youth Forum. I was humbled to witness such thoughtful, passionate, and forward-looking ideas come together.

Third. We need means to put visions into action.

Today, we have launched the Helsinki+50 Fund, which will support the OSCE in delivering effectively on its key mandate. In addition to the Fund, we must consider ways to strengthen the work of the Organisation. Getting the budget approved remains a priority, and we are working hard to make this happen.

As Chairperson-in-Office, I leave this gathering with both humility and resolve. Humility in recognising the scale of our challenges - and resolve in the knowledge that we can make a difference if we take responsibility for the future and stand united against violations of the principles we hold dear.

Let us carry forward the momentum of this anniversary. Let us strengthen the functionality of this Organisation and ensure that the OSCE remains a guardian of the principles that gave birth to it. I look forward to continuing discussions to this end.

I thank you all once again for your participation and dedication. And let me also thank our Chairpersonship Team for organizing this memorable Conference.

Thank you!