OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Christophe Kamp discusses long-term benefits of inclusion and dialogue during visit to Lithuania

During his visit to Lithuania from 17 to 22 May 2026, OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Christophe Kamp delivered the keynote address at the annual Integration and Inclusion Forum in Vilnius on 19 May. The Forum was organized by the Department of National Minorities under the government of Lithuania, a longstanding and valued partner of the office of the HCNM.

“True resilience is found in societies whose diversity is a source of strength; societies that turn inclusion into participation, and participation into shared ownership of the future,” said Kamp during his address, adding that in conversations about security and resilience, social cohesion is an essential component.

During his visit, Kamp held meetings with a broad range of interlocutors, including Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė, Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys, Culture Minister Vaida Aleknavičienė, Justice Minister Rita Tamašunienė and Interior Minister Vladislav Kondratovič. He also met with representatives of the Education, Science and Sports Ministry, the State Language Inspectorate and the Department of National Minorities. Discussions focused on the implementation of the Law on National Minorities; integration and language policies; minority participation; social cohesion; minority-language media; and education policies. 

The High Commissioner also met with representatives of Lithuanian National Radio and Television (LRT) and TVP Wilno, a Polish-language broadcaster, to discuss the role of minority-language media in fostering inclusive information spaces and strengthening democratic resilience. 

The focus of meetings with representatives of Lithuania’s diverse national minority communities, including members of the Council of National Minorities, was on inter-ethnic relations, education, public discourse on minority issues, consultation mechanisms, and the importance of maintaining trust between communities and State institutions. Kamp also participated in events marking National Communities Day at the Seimas and St. Catherine’s Church in Vilnius.

The High Commissioner visited two schools in Vilnius: Vilniaus Simono Stanevičiaus Progimnazija, a Lithuanian-language school attended by Ukrainian pupils, and Antakalnis Elementary School, which provides education in Polish and Russian. These visits offered valuable insights into the practical implementation of inclusive and multilingual education policies in Lithuania and the important role education plays in fostering integration while preserving minority identities

Kamp also delivered a lecture to students at Mykolas Romeris University where he spoke about the OSCE, his conflict prevention mandate and diplomatic work, while engaging with students on the important role of integration and dialogue in building peaceful and resilient societies.