Finnish National Commission for UNESCO appointed

On Thursday 2 March 2023, the Government appointed the members of the Finnish National Commission for UNESCO for the four-year term from 2 March 2023 to 31 December 2026. The Finnish National Commission for UNESCO is an expert and cooperation body providing advice on matters related to UNESCO.

Professor Teivo Teivainen from the University of Helsinki will chair the Commission. The members are Elina Anttila, Director General, National Museum of Finland; Robin Harms, Senior Adviser, Office of the Non-Discrimination Ombudsman; Veera Heinonen, Director, Democracy and Participation, Sitra; Anna Kanerva, Senior Researcher, Center for Cultural Policy Research Cupore; Jorma Kauppinen, Director, Finnish National Agency for Education; Jaakko Kuosmanen, Academy Secretary, Finnish Academy of Science and Letters; Helena Laukko, Executive Director, UN Association of Finland; Anna Munsterhjelm, Chief Executive Officer, Finnish National Youth Council Allianssi; Päivi Pohjolainen, Development Manager, City of Turku; Thomas Slätis, Vice-Chair, Reporters without Borders – Finland; and Lauri Tuomi, Chief Executive Officer, Finnish Lifelong Learning Foundation.

The Ministry of Education and Culture is in charge of the Commission secretariat. 

The Commission assists the Ministry of Education and Culture in particular in managing the relations between UNESCO and Finland. The Commission's principal task is to submit opinions to the Ministry and to the Government, for example on the decisions and recommendations of UNESCO's General Assembly and administrative bodies, and those of other international expert meetings which UNESCO organises. The Commission's work also includes advocacy and contributing to the preparation of programme agenda. 

The Commission raises awareness of UNESCO’s goals and activities among Finnish audiences. The Nordic Commissions work closely together. 

Inquiries: 

• Satu Paasilehto, Senior Ministerial Adviser, Ministry of Education and Culture, tel. +358 29 533 0240 
• Hannu Vainonen, Senior Specialist, Ministry of Education and Culture, tel. +358 29 533 0323 
• Finnish National Commission for UNESCO
• Unesco