On June 11-13, 2025, we commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act of 1975 and the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE, later OSCE). This international symposium will bring together contemporary witnesses, political and civil society leaders, academics, and religious actors to reflect on five decades of the CSCE process and its impact on freedom, peace, security, democracy, and human rights in Europe. Discussions will explore: – The role of diplomacy and the Helsinki Process in shaping a new European peace order after World War II – Helsinki Group’s and civil society’s influence in advancing democracy and human rights from 1975 to today – The ongoing challenges for freedom, security, and peace in Europe 2025 The conference is mainly organised, with various local and international partners, by: – University of Helsinki / Finland – Bundesstiftung Aufarbeitung Berlin / Germany – European Network for Rememberance and Solidarity Warsaw / Poland (ENRS) – ReCoNet (Religion and the Cold War Network) – Historians without Borders – Leibniz Institute for European History Mainz / Germany – Aue Foundation Helsinki / Finland The organisers are working with various partners, including the Embassies in Helsinki of the signatory states of the Helsinki Final Act, with high-level politicians, representatives of civil society and religions. The panels are attended by senior diplomats, human rights activists, contemporary witnesses and academics, including a Nobel Peace Prize laureate.