Baltic, Baltic States – CIS, EU – Baltic States, Forum, History, Society

The anticipated participants of the Forum of the Baltic and Black Seas will include former European heads of state who in the recent past dared to change the course of Europe, to steer it towards democracy and to strive for an active civil society in independent countries: Valdas Adamkus (Lithuania), Vytautas Landsbergis (Lithuania), Viktor Yushchenko (Ukraine), Lech Wałęsa (Poland), Leonid Kuchma (Ukraine), Petru Lucinschi (Moldova), Arnold Rüütel (Estonia), Gennady Burbulis (Russia).

The theme of the forum is "Europe Today. The Baltic Consensus (1987–1991): Historical Significance and Lessons for the Today’s World". On the eve of 11 March, the Day of Restoration of Independence of Lithuania, the historical leaders, along with the academic community and other political, cultural and social figures, will invite everyone to revive the historic memory, to look for new forms of dialogue, and to seek productive, good-neighbourly, responsible, and peace-promoting communication that is based on mutual trust and respect.

According to the EU Ambassador in Russian Federation, Vygaudas Ušackas, the success story of the Baltic States is like a beacon for the countries of the Black sea region in their way of continuous development towards democracy, free market and mature civil society. “Amid geopolitical tensions, confrontations and threats it is worth listening to the wisdom of historical leaders who played a significant role in the collapse of the Soviet Union and the reestablishment of statehood of their respective countries. Aiming to inspire faith in a dialogue and communication, Kaunas has summoned historical leaders in the name of security and prosperity, from the Baltic Sea to the Black Sea and far beyond”, the Ambassador underscored the importance of the forthcoming event. 

It is no coincidence that the former Presidents of Estonia, Poland, Lithuania, Moldova and Ukraine will join the search for solutions in an academic venue. In the face of global challenges and regional threats of the 21st century, it is necessary to remember the national struggles for democracy and freedom and to engage in a closer dialogue with the academic community, especially the young generation.

"It is both symbolic and meaningful that the forum will take place at Vytautas Magnus University: after being re-opened on the eve of the country's independence by Lithuanian and diaspora scientists and intellectuals, this university became one of the first heralds of Lithuania's freedom and a hub of humanist worldviews. Today, as we are standing once again at the doorstep of change, we call on everyone to turn to the ideals that led us towards democratization. In the name of peaceful solutions, we open the door for dialogue between the state and the citizens", VMU Rector Prof. Juozas Augutis stated, highlighting the significance of universities in the considerations of the future.

In the 1st Forum of the Baltic and Black Seas, which was organized in 2016, its participants signed the Kiev Manifest, which named the mission of united and purposeful peacekeeping as their goal. "Our common goal is to promote a system of values that is based on joint actions and ensures mutual understanding and support, along with a dialogue between generations and ideologies, the people and the state", the manifest said. 

The forum "Europe Today. The Baltic Consensus (1987–1991): Historical Significance and Lessons for the Today’s World", which is dedicated to the Centennial of the Restoration of the State of Lithuania, will be held on Friday 10 March, 10 a.m., in VMU Great Hall (S. Daukanto g. 28, Kaunas). On the same day, at 2 p.m., a discussion is scheduled in VMU Small Hall (S. Daukanto g. 28), entitled "Dialogue of Universities: Goals, Mission, and Practices", which will be followed by closing the forum and passing the Kaunas Manifest, "Dialogue of Peace and Trust" -- an invitation for the civil society, the politicians, scientists and representatives of culture, business and other areas to join forces.

The event is organized by Vytautas Magnus University and Kaunas City Municipality.

Historical leaders, participants of the Forum of the Baltic and Black Seas:

• Valdas Adamkus, President of Lithuania (1998–2003 ir 2004–2009)
• Vytautas Landsbergis, the first head of state of the re-established independent Republic of Lithuania, the Chairman of the of the Supreme Council of Lithuania (1992, 1996–2000)
• Viktor Yushchenko, President of Ukraine (2005–2010)
• Leonid Kuchma, President of Ukraine (1994–2004)
• Petru Lucinschi, President of Moldova (1996–2001)
• Arnold Rüütel, President of Estonia (2001–2006)
• Lech Wałęsa, President of Poland (1990–1995)
• Gennady Burbulis, Secretary of State of the Russian SFSR (1991–1992)