The UPF-Baltic Dialogue Initiative is a framework to develop UPF activities in the Baltic nations of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania on one hand and Russia on the other hand, with the aim of overcoming historical tensions among these countries.

The three Baltic nations, now fully integrated in the European Union, consider their history under the Soviet Union between World War II and 1991 as a time of occupation. Yet their common history with Russia goes back centuries, and their economic future is inevitably linked with their powerful neighbor. With important Russian-speaking communities in their midst, the Baltic nations are faced with the challenge of keeping their own identity while maintaining positive relations with their neighbors. At the same time, they are set to play a mediating role between Russia and Europe. To read a backgrounder on the initiative, click here.

The Baltic Dialogue Initiative includes cultural and educational programs led by local Ambassadors for Peace. It was introduced through three UPF seminars in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia in 2011. Also in the spirit of Baltic Dialogue, cultural exchanges between children of Russia, Finland, and Sweden have taken place since 2009.

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