Vilnius won the bid among several European cities, recognized for its vibrant LGBTQ+ community, pressing human rights priorities, unique geopolitical context, and proven capability in hosting major international events. Being selected again as the host city underscores Lithuania’s commitment to inclusivity and affirms Vilnius’s status as a progressive and welcoming destination for LGBTQ+ advocates.
The ILGA-Europe Annual Conference brings together activists, policymakers, and allies from across Europe to address challenges, celebrate progress, and plan strategies for LGBTQ+ rights.
For Lithuania, this opportunity enhances visibility and support for LGBTQ+ rights in the Baltic region, a mission championed by the Lithuanian advocacy groups LGL and TYA (Tolerant Youth Association). The 2025 conference is expected to attract over 600 delegates from Europe and Central Asia, inspiring continued momentum for equality and human rights.
Vladimir Simonko, Executive Director of LGL, expressed excitement about Vilnius’s selection: “I am thrilled that the ILGA-Europe conference is returning to Vilnius. This is a powerful opportunity to showcase our vibrant LGBTQ+ rights movement and highlight Vilnius as an open, LGBTQ+-friendly city. It’s a tremendous honour for us to host Europe’s largest LGBTQ+ human rights conference.”
This will be the second time Vilnius has hosted ILGA-Europe’s flagship event; the first, in 2007, faced protests—a reflection of the significant progress made since. In 1994, Lithuania hosted Northern Europe’s first ILGA conference in Palanga, establishing a foundation for ongoing LGBTQ+ advocacy in the region.
