LDC Future Forum in Helsinki to focus on education, innovation and economic growth

The Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the United Nations will organise an LDC Future Forum in Helsinki on 19–21 May 2026. The Forum emphasises the role of education and innovation in boosting sustainable economic growth in the least developed countries (LDCs). President of the Republic Alexander Stubb, Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen, Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio and Minister of Education Anders Adlercreutz will attend the Forum.

The event will bring together decision-makers, researchers, private sector representatives and other actors in society to explore solutions to challenges that LDCs face in promoting sustainable development.

“The current geopolitical situation underlines the importance of multilateral cooperation. At the LDC Future Forum, Finland, the UN and LDCs will be working together to find solutions to support sustainable development,” says Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen.

“By harnessing Finnish business expertise to advance development policy objectives, it will be possible to stimulate new markets and create job opportunities in developing countries. This will improve opportunities for local experts to find employment in their own countries and highlight the key role of education in supporting sustainable development,” says Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio.

The Forum is one of the series of five LDC Future Forums organised by Finland and the UN. The first one took place in Helsinki in 2024. The UN partner is the United Nations Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS). This year, other partners include the Helsinki-based UNU-Wider research centre and the OECD Development Centre.

President of the Republic Alexander Stubb will attend the event on Wednesday 20 May. LDCs will be represented at ministerial level by Mozambique and Guinea, among other countries. Under Secretary-General Rabab Fatima and UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Kitty van der Heijden will be among the representatives from the United Nations.  Participants from approximately 30 LDCs are expected to attend the event.

For the LDC Future Forum programme and further information, please visit the UN-OHRLLS website.