On Tuesday, SuomiAreena welcomes , a leading figure in the global human rights movement, to speak about courage, hope and the cost of freedom. Earlier in the day, discussions will focus on belonging, co-creation, and inclusive societies.
On Wednesday, innovation strategist will take the stage to challenge Finland to define its national vision in an AI-driven world. Other topics include global talent’s role in Finnish innovation, Nordic energy cooperation, and a bold rethinking of what the “Finnish dream” should look like in a changing global talent landscape.
The week culminates on Friday with a visit from NASA astronaut, who will share his unique perspective on humanity, space, and our shared future. His keynote – followed by an interactive session with children and a discussion on commercialising space research – reminds us that even from the edge of the Earth’s orbit, the most powerful force is human collaboration.
From the future of aviation and clean energy to the evolving Finnish identity and the power of international talent, the English programme invites everyone to think bigger – and together.
Tuesday 24.06.
How can we build a society where everyone truly feels they belong? The Redesign Belonging (ReBel) project supports the development of grassroots solutions to the everyday challenges faced by immigrant women across Europe—challenges that are often overlooked by conventional integration policies. At the heart of the project was an open design challenge, inviting anyone with a good idea to contribute practical, creative ways to strengthen the sense of belonging amongst immigrant women in local communities. In this interactive session, we will showcase the five winning concepts chosen from dozens of submissions. These ideas aim to create more inclusive environments for migrant women and reflect the power of co-creation across sectors, cultures, and lived experiences. After short presentations of each concept, local and regional policymakers will share their reactions, followed by real-time input from the audience using an interactive feedback tool. The feedback will be shared with the winning teams to further develop their ideas. We invite everyone interested in community-building, inclusion, and participatory approaches to join the session. Together, we’ll explore inclusive participation and co-creation as tools for increasing societal coherence and re-producing democracy.
, CEO, Multicultural Associations of Satakunta
, Member of Parliament, Finnish Parliament/The Greens
, Principal, Itäkeskus Comprehensive School, City of Helsinki
, Projektityöntekijä, tutkija, Opintokeskus Visio
, TKI-asiantuntija, palvelumuotoilija, Laurea-ammattikorkeakoulu
, Consultant, Entrepreneur, Teacher
, Suunnittelija, Opintokeskus Visio
Join our discussion on ensuring the safety of fuel distribution infrastructure and availability of sustainable fuels in air traffic. Norwegian, Finavia, St1, and Norsk-e-Fuel will present necessary actions, technologies and safety practices for securing fuel distribution both on the ground and in the air. The discussion will cover the roles of fuel producers, airlines and airports in building reliable European value chains. Come and learn how fuel availability is a crucial part of air travel safety and how industry players are addressing these challenges.
, SVP, Infrastructure, Sustainability, Safety & Security, Finavia
, CEO, Norwegian
, Value Chain Lead, St1
, Managing Director, Norsk e-Fuel
Welcome to an inspiring discussion where we delve into Norwegian's, Finavia’s, St1’s and Norsk e-Fuel’s sustainability efforts and their impact on Finnish society. The panel will discuss solutions for achieving economic, environmental and social sustainability, opportunities for collaboration, and innovative fuel alternatives provided by St1 and Norsk-e-Fuel. Join us to discover the concrete steps being taken to pave the way towards a more sustainable air traffic.
, Executive Director, Finnwatch ry
, SVP, Infrastructure, Sustainability, Safety & Security
, CEO, Norwegian
, Managing Director, Norsk e-Fuel
, Minister of Climate and the Environment, Ministry of the Environment
, Head of Sustainability and Corporate Affairs, St1
On the Raatihuoneenpuisto stage, Russian opposition figurehead and freedom fighter Julija Navalnaja will speak about courage, hope – and the true cost of freedom. Known as the wife of the late opposition leader Aleksei Navalny, Navalnaja has steadfastly continued the fight against the Russian regime from exile. She now leads the Human Rights Foundation and carries on the mission of the Anti-Corruption Foundation, founded by her husband.
Navalnaja’s speech will explore resilience, the realities of opposition work in exile, and the West’s relationship with Russia – but above all, how one person can sustain hope in times where many have already lost it. She is a powerful reminder that silence is not an option. Her presence at SuomiAreena is both historic and deeply meaningful – and her message challenges us not only to look eastward, but inward. This is a rare opportunity to hear from one of the most influential defenders of democracy in our time. Her words will not just resonate – they will move, shake, and inspire. This is a talk you don’t want to miss. The session will be held in English.
Wednesday 25.06.
Finland — like every other country — needs a bold, long-term vision for its role in an AI-driven world. What should it stand for? What industries should it lead in? What values should it hold important? From Nokia to renewables, Finland has proven it can be a global pioneer. Now it needs to be done again. This session explores how national visioning can guide political unity, inspire young people, and make a country thrive — not just survive — as AI, robots, and geopolitical shifts change everything.
Kaupungintalon piha stage
Six out of ten patent applications filed in Finland involve a non-Finnish applicant, and a significant portion of university research staff comes from outside Finland. Research and RDI (Research, Development and Innovation) in Finland are already highly dependent on labor-based immigration. If we want to keep up with global developments, we must increase our investments. The discussion will include concrete examples of what expertise from outside Finland has brought to us.
, CEO, Technology Academy Finland
, Sustainable Material Development, VTT
, Member of Parliament, National Coalition Party
, Vice-rector for research, University of Helsinki
, Professor and Dean of the Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki
Moderator:
The Nordic countries are charging ahead with bold hydrogen strategies – but who will set the pace? Is collaboration the key to creating a global hydrogen powerhouse, or will competition deliver faster breakthroughs? In this high-energy discussion, industry frontrunners share their perspectives on national ambitions, regional cooperation, and the race to lead the next energy revolution.
, pääsihteeri, Pohjoismaiden ministerineuvosto
, Group Brand & Sustainability Officer, Norwegian Hydrogen AS
, puheenjohtaja, STTK
Moderator:, reporter
Kaupungintalon piha stage
Everyone knows the American Dream, but has anyone heard of the Finnish Dream? Is it enough to offer just sauna, sisu and the promise of a welfare state if we want skilled labor in Finland? What is the reality for those who come to work in Finland, and is it time for Finland to update it’s promise to match it? Also, we need to remember that Finland is a part of Europe and the Nordics. How have we done compared to others? What challenges or successes do we share?
, Secretary General of the Nordic Council of Ministers
, Member of Parliament, Green League
, The Shortcut
, Party Secretary, Social Democrats
, Group Manager, Work in Finland
, Technology Officer, Supermetrics
Thursday 26.06.
What does Finland look like through the eyes of those who arrive here – or who simply see our country differently?
Finland through the eyes of an ambassador: Fernando Fernández‑Arias Minuesa, Ambassador of Spain to Finland What makes Finland interesting to a diplomat – and to a Spaniard? What has the ambassador learned about Finland, its people, and the way we communicate our identity to the world? And why are there so few cafés open in the evenings?
, Ambassador of Spain to Finland
, toimitusjohtaja, Suomen matkailualan liitto, SMAL
, kielitieteilijä
Moderator:
Moderator:
Friday 27.06.
Former F-16 fighter pilot & NASA Astronaut Ron Garan inspires audiences to shift mindsets, expand horizons, and unlock the power to create exponential results.
Finland is a small country, but in space, even the small can be agile. The development of space technology and exploitation of space data in research offers unprecedented opportunities, but the benefits will only materialize if research evolves into exportable solutions. This discussion won’t stay in the stratosphere – we’ll identify concrete ways to turn space-based research into a national competitive advantage. How can expertise and innovation be transformed into business? What role does the public sector play in this chain? Now is the time to talk about bold steps toward a commercial orbit.
, Astronaut, NASA
, Dean, Faculty of Technology, Satakunta University of Applied Sciences
, NASA
, Professor, Head of Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Turku
, Chief Specialist, Head of the Finnish Space Office, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment
Moderator:
