President Sauli Niinistö says he hopes to generate discussion on how Finland can adapt to a world transformed by the novel coronavirus pandemic during his annual summer summit. The talks also aim to challenge participants to think about what they can do to influence the direction of change.
Dubbed the Kultaranta talks, the event usually takes place at the President's summer residence Kultaranta in Naantali, southwest Finland. However, this year will be different due to the coronavirus crisis.
Yle will broadcast the summit on Yle TV1 and online on Yle Areena from 6.15pm on Sunday 24 May.
Niinistö: Much to discuss
According to President Niinistö, people in Finland are witnessing unprecedented times, during which traditional ways may serve us well. He added that now, if ever, there is much to discuss.
"The Kultaranta Talks are now being organised electronically as the times require and the aim is to talk about the state of the world, the economy, Finland's situation and Finnish society -- our society. I hope that we find perspectives that will inspire us all," Niinistö said.
He said that he believes that Finland will find its way out of the distress caused by the crisis, even if a few scars remain.
Changes to the world order
The talks event will begin with an opening discussion featuring Niinistö, archiatre Risto Pelkonen and Adina Nivukoski, chair of the Union of Upper Secondary School Students.
This will be followed by talks on three themes. The first will consider changes to the world order: will the post-pandemic world see closer cooperation or tougher competition? Tampere University international politics professor Hiski Haukkala, EU international partnerships commissioner Jutta Urpilainen and Helsingin Sanomat editorial chief Matti Kalliokoski will ponder this question.
The second theme will focus on the economy. In this segment discussants will consider how Finland's and the global economy will survive the pandemic as well as the impact of efforts to combat it. Will globalisation end? Will economic and trade structures change or will something better emerge? Tackling these issues will be Nokia and F-Secure chair Risto Siilasmaa, former prime minister Esko Aho and Anu Partanen, a senior advisor of pro-business think tank Nordic West Office, which is also a subsidiary of lobbying firm Miltton.
The third theme covers the impact of the pandemic on society: how it may change values, relationships and how to create a better tomorrow. Karina Jutila director of e2 Research writer and chair of the Arts Promotion Council Juha Itkonen and Helsinki University assistant professor of social psychology Nelli Hankonen will take on the subject.
Discussion open to public
Prime Minister Sanna Marin and Parliamentary Speaker Matti Vanhanen join the President for the closing discussion.
Members of the public can participate by sending questions or comments in advance. Instructions for submitting material can be found at yle.fi/kultaranta.
Observers can also record video of their questions or thoughts. Submissions will be included in Yle's live broadcast and will President Niniistö and other participants will answer questions.
It is also possible to join the live discussion by sending questions and comments via chat to chat.yle.fi or by via WhatsApp at 044 421 4530.