The “Baltic Way” was a philanthropic, civil society movement in 1989 which connected more than one million people across 400 miles between Vilnius (Lithuania), Riga (Latvia), and Tallinn (Estonia) in protest of Soviet occupation, and it has become a symbol and foundational pillar for the rebirth of independent Lithuania. Encouraged by political dissidents, religious clerics, and civil society leaders, the Baltic Way captures the robust philanthropic spirit of the country.
Lithuania is a democratic republic in north-eastern Europe with a population of three million and a GDP per capita of just over $25,000, according to the World Bank. Lithuania has deep historical ties to Latvia, Poland, Russia, and, to a lesser extent, Prussia. Since gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, the nation has turned firmly toward the West by joining the European Union (2004), the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (2004), and the Schengen Area (2007).
Over the last thirty years, Lithuania has experienced marked economic, political, and social change. This transformation includes a strong sense of anti-authoritarianism with concomitant support of the freedom to engage in voluntary action for the public good. For instance, the national parliament declared 2022 “The Year of Volunteering.” Or, to choose another example, trust in non-governmental organizations (NGO)s, which is often low in formerly Soviet countries, increased from 32% to 57% between 2012 and 2021 in Lithuania. (more…)
Philanthropy is deeply ingrained in the foundational values of Islam. Sadaqah, or voluntary charity; zakat, one of the five pillars of Islam which mandates annual giving; and waqf, or endowment, are some of the key categories of Islamic charitable practices.
