London, 17 February 2025 – Government representatives, Holocaust experts, and survivors will gather in London to mark the 25th anniversary of the Stockholm Declaration, the founding document of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA). The event will bring together key figures who have shaped international Holocaust education, remembrance, and research over the past quarter-century – offering both a moment of reflection and a renewed commitment to confronting the challenges ahead.
Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair and President Bill Clinton, both key figures in the formation of the IHRA, will address participants via video message. In 1998, Blair and Clinton were among the first world leaders to answer Swedish Prime Minister Göran Persson’s call for international cooperation on Holocaust remembrance. Their early support helped turn Persson’s initiative into an international effort, culminating in the Stockholm International Forum on the Holocaust in 2000, where the Stockholm Declaration was drafted by IHRA’s late Honorary Chairman, Professor Yehuda Bauer.
Reflecting on the progress made under the Stockholm Declaration, Lord Eric Pickles, Chair of IHRA, noted the challenges that lie ahead in an era of rising antisemitism and historical distortion:
“The world has seen many changes over the last quarter of a century, not least of which is the pushing of Holocaust denial to the fringe of credibility. Unfortunately, the old evil is replaced with a new, more deadly one: Holocaust distortion.”
“Distortion does not deny the Holocaust outright. Instead, it excuses, minimizes, or misrepresents events, building a bridge between mainstream careless indifference and extremist ideologies. This is not only disrespectful to the memory of the victims and survivors, but it is also a threat to our democracies.”
Holocaust survivor Mala Tribich will share her reflections on the past 25 years – both as a witness to history and as part of a family deeply connected to the IHRA’s mission. Her late brother, Sir Ben Helfgott, was a member of the United Kingdom delegation to the IHRA and a lifelong advocate for Holocaust education.
“Everyone there knew they were part of something historic and very special”
Helfgott, himself a survivor, was present at the Stockholm Forum in 2000 and later recalled: “Everyone there knew they were part of something historic and very special.” Mala will be joined by Ben’s son, Michael, who will talk about the role of the second generation – in safeguarding Holocaust memory.
The following day, on 18 February, IHRA Member Countries will begin discussions on the future focus of the IHRA– ensuring that the organization remains equipped to meet the challenges of the coming decades. Speaking about the IHRA’s future, Secretary General Michaela Küchler said:
“For 25 years, the Stockholm Declaration has guided international cooperation on Holocaust remembrance. The IHRA has shown us how countries and experts working together, in consensus, can create real impact in preserving Holocaust memory and countering Holocaust distortion. As we look ahead, we must build on this foundation, ensuring that remembrance translates into action by governments.”
For more information, please contact Mara Antoce at mara.antoce@plmr.co.uk or +44 (0)785 284 4323
The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) unites governments and experts to strengthen, advance and promote Holocaust education, remembrance, and research worldwide and uphold the commitments of the 2000 Stockholm Declaration and the 2020 IHRA Ministerial Declaration.
The founding document of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, the Stockholm Declaration outlines the principles that guide the organization and its Member Countries.
We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience. By clicking any link on this page you are giving your consent for us to set cookies.UnderstoodDeclinePrivacy policy
