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22.3.2023 | Finland’s Sámi Parliament and the Finnish Presidency of the Barents Euro-Arctic Council will organise together with the European Parliament a Summit of Barents Euro-Arctic Indigenous Sámi People in Brussels from 22 to 24 March 2023.

12.9.2022 | The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) will hold its 51th regular session from 12 September to 7 October. This is the third session during Finland’s three-year membership in the Human Rights Council. Finland will continue its long-standing commitment to the promotion of universal human rights.

24.11.2021 | Watch the recording: How to ensure that Indigenous peoples’ voices are heard and rights are respected in climate action? Ministry for Foreign Affairs Publication date 24.11.2021 8.13 Type: News item The virtual discussion was held on Wednesday Nov...

30.12.2021 | Finland’s presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers is coming to an end. Although the COVID-19 pandemic naturally affected event arrangements, solutions have also been found. For example, it has become commonplace to arrange remote and hybrid events, with recordings and reports produced for many events that can be used in various contexts, even after the presidency year ends. This documentat...

31.8.2021 | As part of Finland's Presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers, a webinar will be held from 31 August to 1 September that will focus on the rights of indigenous people with disabilities and diseases causing memory loss, and on the provision of linguistically and culturally sensitive services. The webinar seeks to raise awareness of rights, and share experiences to develop services.

30.4.2026 | The European countries participating in Santa Marta express their strong support for the Santa Marta First Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels and appreciate the leadership as shown by Colombia and the Netherlands. Santa Marta establishes an action-oriented platform to scale up work and to elevate energy transition. This is critical for addressing the climate emergency.

31.1.2022 | Anni-Kristiina Juuso, Master of Laws trained on the bench, has been appointed to serve as Secretary General of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Concerning the Sámi People. Juuso will take up her duties on 1 February 2022.

28.10.2021 | In its session on 28 October, the Government appointed the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Concerning the Sámi People. The work to establish the Truth and Reconciliation Commission has continued in line with the Programme of Prime Minister Sanna Marin’s Government. The matter has been prepared in close cooperation with representatives of the Finnish state, the Sámi Parliament and the Skolt Sámi Siida Council.

25.2.2026 | Statement by Permanent State Secretary Jukka Salovaara at the High-Level Segment of the United Nations Human Rights Council's 61st session

9.2.2026 | The latest assessment report from the Intergovernmental Science‑Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) underlines the responsibility of businesses for their impacts on nature. The current business conditions do not support halting biodiversity loss. Broad structural changes are needed and can be driven by governments. However, businesses already have the knowledge and opportunities to act in ways that are sustainable for nature.

15.1.2026 | The European Capital of Culture year in Oulu begins with a three-day Opening Festival starting on Friday, 16 January. The programme features nearly 200 events, offering a diverse range of experiences – most of them free of charge and open to people of all ages. Throughout the year, Oulu will be alive with cultural events, performances and exhibitions.

17.10.2025 | Opening Remarks by Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen at the Arctic Circle Assembly in Reykjavik on 16 October 2025.

4.12.2025 | The Truth and Reconciliation Commission will submit its final report to the Government, the Sámi Parliament and the Skolt Sámi Siida Council on 4 December 2025. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission held consultations with almost 400 Sámi people and commissioned 25 separate studies by various experts. The final report contains recommendations and proposals for measures.

25.11.2025 | On 25 November, Finland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen presented a policy document outlining Finland’s Arctic foreign and security policy. The Foreign Minister’s policy document complements Finland’s Strategy for Arctic Policy (2021) and the Government report on Finnish Foreign and Security Policy (2024).

10.11.2025 | On the opening day of COP30 in Belém, the Nordic Ministers for Fisheries, Aquaculture, Agriculture, Food, and Forestry present a ministerial declaration that underlines the potential of food systems and bioeconomy to address climate change through both mitigation and adaptation.

23.6.2025 | This year, the European Union’s most important Arctic event will take place in Kittilä, on 26–27 June. The event is expected to attract about 350 attendees from across Europe.

26.6.2025 | Minister for European affairs and ownership steering Joakim Strand spoke at the EU Arctic Forum 26 June 2025, Kittilä, Finland. Check against delivery.

5.6.2025 | The EU Arctic Forum, to be held at Levi, Lapland, on 26–27 June 2025, gives European Arctic actors an opportunity to discuss the future of Arctic cooperation at its turning point.

2.11.2024 | UN Biodiversity Conference COP16 ended with a skinny agreement on Saturday morning after having gone into overtime. A benefit-sharing mechanism for digital information on genetic resources (the Cali Fund) was established and the role of indigenous peoples was strengthened, but no understanding was reached on monitoring the implementation of biodiversity targets or mobilising finances. As the meeting dragged on and some of the negotiators had to go home, there was no quorum to make decisions.

10.2.2025 | During its membership of the UN Human Rights Council between 2022 and 2024, Finland defended universal human rights and the multilateral rules-based system. Finland’s key priorities were to ensure accountability and gender equality and to promote and defend the rights of women and girls, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities and LGBTI persons.