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Updated vision for international activities in Finnish higher education and research published

Ministry of Education and Culture
Publication date 16.8.2022 11.30 | Published in English on 19.8.2022 at 12.02
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Kv-foorumin puheenjohtaja Sari Lindblom luovuttaa Kv-vision ministeri Honkoselle.
Kv-foorumin puheenjohtaja Sari Lindblom luovuttaa Kv-vision ministeri Honkoselle.

An updated vision for international activities was submitted to Minister of Science and Culture Petri Honkonen on Tuesday 16 August. The vision is a follow-up to the policies for strengthening the international dimension of Finnish higher education and research 2017-2025, which was adopted during the previous government term.

The forum appointed by the Ministry of Education and Culture for strengthening the international dimension of Finnish higher education and research has drawn up a vision together with stakeholders. The purpose is to guide different actors, such as higher education institutions and agencies in the Ministry’s remit, towards the essential themes identified in the vision. The vision highlights the freedom of science, research and teaching, Finland’s competitiveness, a society that is culturally and linguistically diverse, sustainable development as well as a nationally collaborative approach as a cornerstone for promoting international activities.

“In times like this, our values and principles of action are more imperative than ever before. Besides putting them into action, it is also important to voice them aloud. We uphold the freedom of science, research and teaching, the autonomy of actors as well as indivisible and inalienable human rights. Non-discrimination and solidarity must be an integral part of our activities, both nationally and internationally,” said Minister of Science and Culture Petri Honkonen at the event.

The forum was established in line with the policies for strengthening the international dimension of Finnish higher education and research with a view to monitoring and advancing the implementation of international policies. The first forum’s term was from 2018 to 2019, and the second one started in spring 2020. With the changes in the global situation following the pandemic, and particularly due to Russia’s war of aggression in spring 2022, the need to update the previously adopted guidelines became topical. The forum worked on the vision in various compositions during the 2021-22 term.

Inquiries: Tiina Vihma-Purovaara, Senior Ministerial Adviser, tel. +358 295 330 327