The recipients of the 2025 State Award for Public Information have two things in common: they give a voice to those often left unheard and they challenge the status quo. Their work invites us to look at the world with curiosity, empathy and a critical eye.
The Government appointed Director Heidi Backman, M.Soc.Sc. as Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Culture on 12 June. The appointment is for a five-year term beginning on 4 August 2025.
The growth of the creative industries and the creative economy is based on companies in the sector, their growth and internationalisation. Compared to its reference countries, such as Sweden, Finland has so far not really known how to make use of immaterial value creation. The creative industries still have a considerable amount of untapped potential for economic growth in Finland.
On 13 June, the President of the Republic appointed Member of Parliament, entrepreneur and Olympic athlete Mika Poutala as Minister of Youth, Sport and Physical Activity and as a member of the Government.
The Ministry of Education and Culture invites stakeholders and actors in the higher education and research sector to continue the joint discussion on the future. With a shared vision, Finland can respond to global and societal changes and shape the future we want.
On 12 June, the Government appointed Kirsti Laine-Hendolin, Master of Arts (Education), to the post of Director General of the Ministry of Education and Culture for the period from 1 September 2025 to 31 July 2030. The Director General is the head of the Ministry’s Department for Youth and Sport Policy.
The Ministry of Education and Culture is responsible for the development of education, science, cultural, sport and youth policies. The administrative branch of the Ministry of Education and Culture comprises 13 agencies, including Finnish National Agency for Education, Academy of Finland and Arts Promotion Centre Finland.
In international affairs, the Ministry participates in the work of major international organisations and regional councils, implements programmes and initiatives nationally and supports cultural cooperations and expatriate activities.
