The Helsinki Final Act was a bold vision for the future of Europe agreed by 35 countries in 1975.
This landmark agreement brought together allies and adversaries and redefined European security. It recognized that peace is not just about borders and the absence of war, but also the presence of human rights, economic co-operation, and environmental responsibility.
The world has since changed. New crises and new challenges have emerged. Yet the Helsinki Final Act remains relevant.
The Helsinki Final Act’s 50th Anniversary is a moment to return to our shared principles and use this blueprint for how we can build a more peaceful and prosperous future — together.
Principles into action
The OSCE works every day to turn the Helsinki Final Act’s comprehensive principles into action. From conflict prevention to human rights, it uses its expertise and decades of experience to help countries navigate tensions, build trust, and confront some of today’s most pressing challenges.
But what does this work look like in the real everyday world?
Real life impact
Building peace and security looks like safer communities, stronger support systems, and a better way of life for you and your family.
The OSCE@50 Initiative did a deep dive to see how the OSCE has been influencing real people’s lives, communities, and societies across the region. Tangible examples from the last twenty years, show how we are making a difference. You can find the Initiative’s full synthesis and reports in this document collection.
Here are four case studies from the Initiative that give you an in-depth look at how we are influencing change across the OSCE region.
Simulating real-life scenarios to better combat human trafficking
Behind every statistic of human trafficking is a stolen life. Saving that life takes more than policies and textbooks. Live-action simulations based on real cases are enhancing the training for border guards, police officers, prosecutors, and social workers. Going beyond the theory these frontline professionals are exposed to the pressure, the emotions, and the desperation of victims.
Since 2016, over 1,000 anti-trafficking professionals from 68 countries have engaged in in OSCE-run live-action simulation exercises.
By simulating scenarios inspired by real life cases, frontline officers are trained to recognize trafficking cases and identify victims faster and more accurately. Described as a “game changer” by a representative from Iceland’s organized crime unit, the representative shared that the insights she gained directly informed a major national operation involving over 100 officers, leading to the identification of dozens of labour trafficking victims and the arrest of several suspects.
These simulations aren’t just drills. They shift mindsets in order to save lives.
Now, more countries are running these simulations, growing the network of trained professionals, with the global fight against trafficking only growing stronger. And the OSCE will be there to help more participating States make this happen.
Changing how police officers are educated in Serbia
People plant the seed of change, but institutions help it grow.
In Serbia, following the democratic transition, the OSCE played a pivotal role in reshaping how the police service recruits and trains new officers. What began as reform turned into a transformation: outdated, militarized models were replaced with a modern, rights-based approach.
Now nearly 9,500 cadets have been trained at the Basic Police Training Centre (BPTC) established in 2007 with the support of the OSCE Mission to Serbia. The Centre introduced a new system of adult learning and practical skills, and, crucially, opened the door to those long excluded.
Women and national minorities were once largely shut out. But, recognizing that police services should reflect the societies they serve, the Mission made significant strides in growing these groups’ presence.
These structural reforms helped spark a culture shift. Public trust in the police rose from 28% in 2008 to 44% in 2023, reflecting the positive impact of a service more responsive to the communities it serves.
But the work isn’t done yet. Keeping the momentum alive will require continued political will — and international support. The OSCE will keep doing its part, through its long-standing presence, partnerships, and evidence-based support.
Building a brighter future at the OSCE Academy in Bishkek
Education is more than degrees; it’s about shaping a better future. It helps people navigate life, build empathy across cultures, and tackle global challenges together. It is with this in mind that the Kyrgyz Republic and the OSCE launched the OSCE Academy in Bishkek in 2002.
Young people from across backgrounds and borders began to study, debate, connect, and build a brighter future together at the OSCE Academy, located in Bishkek.
Since then, more than 700 master’s degree graduates have proven how the Academy is more than just a school: it is a quiet engine of change.
Alumni are working across ministries, civil society, and academia. Many of them now hold senior positions.
Each graduate carries with them the Academy’s values: integrity, co-operation, critical thinking. Values nurtured in classrooms rich with diversity.
As one student put it: “In one seminar, I realized the 20 participants represented 13 different countries. That kind of exposure is very rare in this part of the world.”
The Academy’s impact has been profound, affecting real and lasting regional transformation — one student at a time.
Empowering women police officers in North Macedonia
Sometimes, all it takes is one brave woman stepping into a role she never thought could be hers — and the ripple effect begins.
In North Macedonia, participants made clear that what started as a mentoring initiative for women in policing became something much more powerful: a movement of leaders, change-makers, and equals.
For years, policing was a space where women were underrepresented and often overlooked. But through mentoring, confidence-building, and the support of a growing community of like-minders, things began to shift.
Women police officers — who were once unsure if they belonged — started speaking up, supporting each other, and applying for leadership roles.
“We learned to be braver and to apply for positions that people assume are meant for men — without hesitation, without prejudice,” one of the mentees says.
Now, nearly 180 women officers have already taken part in the Gender Mentoring programme launched by the OSCE Mission to Skopje. Some have even gone on to be pioneers, like the country’s first female police dog handler.
Real change doesn't always start with policies or headlines — sometimes it begins with a quiet conversation between a mentor and a mentee. And when women are empowered to lead, entire institutions — and societies — grow stronger. The OSCE will continue to be at the forefront of this effort.
