Lampa – Latvia’s People’s Summit

When societies face major challenges and global issues, it is through open dialogue that we can find solutions that reach beyond national borders. That is why we took part in the democratic festival LAMPA (Latvia’s People’s Meeting), engaging in a series of forward-looking conversations – not least regarding Belarus’s role in the Baltic region. Together with partners such as the Belarus Research Network, we organised a debate exploring historical relations and democratic development as foundations for future cooperation. Insightful contributions – including from Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, leader of the democratic movement in Belarus – made it clear that there is strong potential to strengthen ties between Belarus and the Nordic countries, with culture serving as a bridge-builder.

On the festival’s second day, we turned the spotlight on food waste as a shared cultural and societal challenge. The discussion highlighted the need for systemic solutions, public awareness, and a renewed understanding of food as a valuable resource. Creative approaches such as fermentation were showcased as examples of how sustainable practices can shape food culture and inspire cross-border action