Speakers and panelists will share their perspectives on various aspects such as why they came to the Baltic countries, what brings them together, and the commonalities that unite us all, as well as differences that make our experiences richer. Through insightful discussions and collaborative exchanges, we aim to uncover the shared values that can contribute to regional stability and cooperation.

The conference is organized by the Lithuanian news portal DELFI as the culminating event of the “Baltic Bridge for Alienating Societies” project, supported by the Nordic Council of Ministers Office in Lithuania.

Conference programme

13:00 – 13:30 Doors open

13:30 – 13:45 Welcome speech by Helén Nilsson, Director of the Nordic Council of Ministers Office in Lithuania and Rasa Lukaitytė-Vnarauskienė, Editor-in-chief of Delfi

13:45 – 14:45 Panel discussion

Baltic Bridge to Alienating Societies: Voices of Integration and Personal Narratives

Discover firsthand accounts from individuals who migrated to the Baltic countries from Ukraine, Russia, and Belarus seeking peace after war. They share insights on successful integration, discussing challenges, support systems, and the responsibilities of both newcomers and host communities. Gain valuable perspectives on what contributes to a successful integration process and how individuals can actively participate in shaping a cohesive society in Lithuania and beyond.

• Anna Tomilina, International Childhood Research institute
• Aleksandr Kuchta, priest who came from Belarus to Lithuania to join the emerging Orthodox Church of the Constantinople Patriarchate
• Ksenija Nikolska, Coordinator of Caritas Humanitarian Aid for War Refugees from Ukraine in Kaunas Archdiocese
• Eglė Masevičiūtė, Vilnius Archdiocese Caritas Foreigners Integration Program Manager
• Moderator: Natalia Frolova, journalist

14:45 – 15:00 Coffee break

15:00 – 15:50 Panel discussion

Exploring Integration: Expert Insights on Ukrainian, Russian, and Belarusian Communities in the Baltic States

Experts in sociology, political science, and psychology discuss the integration experiences of Ukrainian, Russian, and Belarusian citizens in the Baltic region. Topics include successful integration factors, systemic barriers, collective versus individualised approaches. Gain valuable insights into navigating integration challenges and fostering inclusivity.

• Dr. Monika Frėjutė-Rakauskienė, Senior Researcher, Head of the Department of Ethnic Studies at the Institute of Ethnic Studies
• Yevhen Magda, associate professor at Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute, the National Technical University
• Egor Burtsev, clinical psychologist, social psychologist, sociologist
• Dr. Roza Turarbekova, Ph.D. in History, Honorary Fellow of Institute for Global and Sustainable Development, University of Warwick
• Moderator: Vytautas Bruveris, Editor-in-chief of ELTA

15:50 – 16:00 Coffee break

16:00 – 17:00 Panel discussion

Emigration on a Woman’s Shoulders: Exploring Changing Gender Roles in Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia before Emigration and after Return

A thought-provoking discussion on the evolving gender roles and societal dynamics experienced by women from Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia before emigration and upon their return. Our panel features Olga Johannesson, author of the documentary project “Women in War,” who will discuss the resilience and strength of women affected by the war outbreak in Ukraine. Lina Šlipavičiūtė, co-author of “Escaped from the Hell” book will share insights into the journeys and challenges faced by Ukrainian women seeking refuge in Lithuania. Eugenija Kovaliova from UKreate Hub will present initiatives supporting displaced Ukrainian women in Lithuania.

• Olga Johannesson, author of the documentary project “Women in War”
• Lina Šlipavičiūtė, co-author of “Escaped from the Hell” book
• Eugenija Kovaliova, CEO Ukreate Hub
• Moderator: Andžela Bubeliak, Delfi

Conference recording

Recorded conference available for viewing