Minister of Science and Culture Mari-Leena Talvitie travelled to Benin. The focus of the visit was to repatriate to Benin the Kataklè, a ceremonial royal stool.
The Ministry of Education and Culture will start preparations for ratifying the Council of Europe Convention on the Manipulation of Sports Competitions (Macolin Convention). The purpose of this Convention is to combat the manipulation of sports competition by cooperation between the authorities, sports organisations and the betting sector.
Photo: the Museum of the Torne Valley, Åsa Pesula 2025
Joint Finnish-Swedish proposal prepared for dipnet fishing in the Torne River rapids for inscription on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The decision on inscription is due in December 2026.
The topics on the agenda include the joint European degree label and the role of education in preventing inequality. The Council will also discuss the impact of disinformation, manipulation and cyber threats on young people and delve into the future strategic priorities for the cultural sector in the EU. Council conclusions are expected on the promotion of sport and physical activity in the educational context.
Minister of Education Anders Adlercreutz has appointed Eeva-Riitta Pirhonen, Director General of the Department for Early Childhood Education, Comprehensive School Education and Liberal Adult Education, as Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Culture for a fixed term starting on 1 May 2025.
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.
