Opinion Festival 2025 – A Territory of Dialogue, Inspiration, and Discovery
The Opinion Festival 2025 brought unforgettable conversations and meaningful encounters. Its energy continues to resonate – in the reflections of participants, the echoes of discussions, and the emotions and stories we shared.
This year’s theme – “The Uncomfortable, the Unseen, and the Unsafe” – opened space for honest dialogue on the most pressing issues. Representatives of national and international NGOs, government institutions, media, educators, volunteers, activists, and veterans took part in the discussions.
Together, we addressed topics such as life under occupation, informing residents of frontline areas, captivity and repression, recruitment for military service, underage enlistment, and the demographic crisis. These are sensitive and complex subjects, but the festival format encouraged openness, empathy, and deep understanding. Speakers and participants alike bravely asked difficult questions, searched for solutions, and shared their perspectives.
Beyond the panel discussions, the festival offered resource zones where visitors could take a break, learn about psychological and first aid, communicate, or take photos. There was also a children’s area, and the presence of pets added warmth and a sense of community. We are especially grateful to everyone who supported the fundraising for electronic warfare equipment for the evacuation crews of the East SOS Charity Foundation and took part in the charity lottery. Your compassion and commitment make the world a safer place.
Some key figures from the Festival:
- About 500 participants took part in the event;
- 43 speakers joined 11 panel discussions across 3 locations;
- 10 initiatives and organizations showcased their work on the Opinion Alley;
- The event received over 140 mentions in the media;
- And most importantly, we received numerous words of gratitude and heartfelt feedback from participants and guests.
For the ninth time, the Opinion Festival proved that even the most complex topics can be discussed openly and respectfully, and the atmosphere of support made these days truly special.
The Opinion Festival 2025 was organized by East SOS with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Estonia as part of the EU-funded project “Support for War-Affected Vulnerable Populations and Residents of Remote Areas of Ukraine.” Its content is the sole responsibility of the Foundation and does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union in Ukraine.
Recently, we shared the story and evolution of the Festival in Ukraine.
