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Feb. 4th, 2021, leading politicians, historians, justices, attorneys discussed contemporary challenges facing the region and world at an online, virtual International Forum, “Liberty and Freedom: Tadas Kościuszko’s Legacy”. Discussions centered on the rule of law, security, social rights as fundamentals relating to freedom.
Belarus opposition leader Sviatlana Chichanouskaja, the politician who ran for the 2020 Belarusian presidential election as the main opposition candidate, participated as well.
The Forum was held to commemorate the 275th anniversary of the birth of Belarusian, Polish, Lithuanian and U.S. hero Tadas Kościuszko. Many of the well-known speakers discussed the life and work of Kościuszko, who was a freedom fighter that managed to transcend national boundaries in his quest for freedom not only in Europe, but also the U.S. Kościuszko's ties to U.S. President Thomas Jefferson and their friendship was discussed also.
The European Humanities University created a special historical film, "River of Fate" that was shown at this Forum. It details the life of Tadas Kościuszko emphasizing his aspirations for freedom and concern for the historical heritage of Europe and the world. Kościuszko was a unique individual fighting for freedom, connecting nations and believing in the power of accessible education for all. The movie was filmed in six countries despite closed borders during the pandemic, political crises and other dramatic 2020 events.
European Humanities University Rector Prof. Sergei Ignatov, noted that the legacy of Tadas Kosciuszko is a unique example of how one individual can embody the aims of freedom of 4 nations — Belarus, Lithuania, Poland and the U.S. His personality shows that the ongoing fight for freedom in Belarus is an integral part of our regional identity, he noted.
The goal of the International Forum was to discuss how common participating values of nations can encourage the development of democracy in Central and Eastern Europe (and the world). The event highlighted Kościuszko's legacy and his aspirations for freedom. There was also discussion of the Belarusian struggles against dictatorship and the 30th anniversary of the independence of the Baltic states.
Event organiser U.S. Prof. Jenik Radon, who also spoke at the Forum said, "Belarusians are demanding freedom so loud so that the entire world will hear their cry. We remember the long and peaceful path of the Baltic countries for their freedom which the world called the "Singing Revolution."
British journalist Edward Lucas, a security specialist, was the moderator of one of the Forum's afternoon panels. Speaking from London, where he is based, Lucas introduced 4 panel members including: Chairman of the Republic of Lithuania's Seimas Foreign Affairs Committee Žygimantas Pavilionis.
Some of the Participants included: Republic of Democratic Belarus opposition leader Sviatlana Chichanouskaja, NATO Parliamentary Assembly President Gerald E. Connolly, European Union Court of Justice Chairman Koen Lenaerts, European Parlamento member Róża Gräfin von Thun und Hohenstein, former Polish Premier Hanna Suchocka, German parliament Defence Committee Member Prof. Karl Lamers, and many other U.S., Lithuanian and European lawyers, historians, and leaders of society.
Event Moderators – well-known global economic, political, law experts: Times columnist Edward Lucas, Marci Shore (Yale University, U.S.), Prof. David Schultz (Hamline University U.S.), Lithuania's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Audra Plepytė and event organiser, author Prof. Jenik Radon (Columbia University, U.S.).
"When I presented my credential to U.S. President Barack Obama, he expressed thanks for Lithuanian hero Tadas Kościuszko and his efforts to participate in the struggles for freedom. The contribution of Kościuszko to freedom is evident today - from that time, Lithuania and U.S. were on the same side of the barricades for freedom and democracy. Several hundred years ago, our common state, by example of the U.S. written freedom-based Constitution, destroyed united autocracies. Truly, these same struggles - only on a global scale, continue today. And so, today, questions arise – will we be able by example of Kościuszko, for your freedom and ours to unite Washington, London, EU capitals and other global democracies, advocating for free and democratic elections in Belarus? Will we strengthen the expansion of the EU and NATO to the neighbouring East? Will we be able to defend those imprisoned today in Russia, Belarus and the right of other European nations to freedom? Have we all learned from history? Time will tell. I hope so", – said Pavilionis.
Mykolas Romeris University (MRU) Rector Prof. Inga Žalėnienė said individuals such as Tadas Kościuszko inspire even today. This Forum is the result of cooperation between European and U.S. universities. It gives rise to questions in the areas of law, foreign policy and social issues, highlighting the importance of cooperation between regions and the common values. This is relevant now - 30 years after the restoration of the independence of Lithuania,“ – noted Rector Prof. Žalėnienė.
The event was organised by Mykolas Romeris University's School of Law (Lithuania), Columbia University's Harriman Institute (U.S.) and the European Humanitarian University (Belarus, from 2005 operating in Vilnius). Event partners – the Foreign Affairs Ministry of the Republic of Lithuania and LRT.
The Global Forum was translated live Feb. 4th, 14.00–19.00 hrs.(LT time) via LRT.lt, events platform www.Bridges4Freedom.com and via organisers' social networks.
