CSCE negotiation memorial plaque unveiled at Aalto University

A commemorative plaque marking the site of the 1972 preparatory meetings for the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe (CSCE) was unveiled on 17 December at Aalto University’s Dipoli building in Espoo, Finland. These historic negotiations laid the groundwork for the 1975 Helsinki Final Act, a cornerstone of European security and co-operation.

The unveiling ceremony was attended by the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Finland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen, Mayor of Espoo Kai Mykkänen, and Aalto University President Ilkka Niemelä. The plaque, designed by Pekka Kouhia, pays tribute to the legacy of the CSCECSCE
Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe and features symbolic baskets in each corner, representing the three dimensions of security that remain central to the OSCE’s work: politico-military, economic and environmental, and human. The fourth basket refers to follow-up meetings and implementation procedures. These baskets also have a direct link to the Dipoli building: according to local legend, the idea of dimensions as baskets was inspired by bread baskets in the canteen.

The text on the plaque reads as follows: “In these premises, the 35-nation Helsinki Consultations (22 Nov 1972 to 8 Jun 1973) agreed on the principles and structure of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe, a process that later helped end the Cold War dividing Europe.”

The unveiling event included a commemorative seminar with opening remarks by Mayor Mykkänen, a keynote address by Minister Valtonen, and a historical overview presented by Minister Jaakko Iloniemi and Ambassador Pertti Torstila, both of whom played instrumental roles in Finland’s diplomatic efforts during the Cold War era.

The plaque serves as a lasting reminder of Finland’s contribution to European security dialogue and the enduring significance of multilateral co-operation.