The ambitious goal of the conference is to bring the Nordic foundation community together in Helsinki in a way that sparks real connections, fresh ideas, and pathways for concrete collaboration. Our theme is polarisation, and we will look at it from different perspectives: how to tackle it, and how to collaborate with others in challenging times. We will also have plenty of insights on other relevant themes and topics.

Doors to Kulttuurikasarmi (Address: Narinkka 2) open at 9:30 on Thursday, where a delicious breakfast will wait for you. The programme starts at 11 am on Thursday and ends with lunch at 1–2 pm on Friday. The programme includes three joint plenary sessions and over 15 breakout sessions and site visits to choose from, prepared by foundations from across the Nordics – and of course an evening program with dinner on Thursday night. 

Here are some picks from the programme:

THE DAY ONE opens with four perspectives to polarisation, offering insights for foundations, presented by Pekka Haavisto, one of Finland’s most experienced political figures, with a long history in international peace processes, Dr. Jasmine Kelekay (Assistant Professor, Howard University, USA) on minorities and racism, Amos Wallgren (Activist and Doctoral Researcher, University of Helsinki) on climate and right to protest, and Oskar Rönnberg (Researcher, University of Helsinki) on building social inclusivity in cities.

The role of art in addressing polarisation will be explored by Swedish artist Marcia Harvey Isaksson, and the first day will conclude with Danish futures thinker Nicklas Larsen, who will ask: Are the Nordic welfare states turning into charity societies?

ON DAY TWO, we’ll explore the changing role of media in relation to polarization, freedom of expression, and democracy. Speakers include Laura Saarikoski (CEO, Helsingin Sanomat Foundation), André Støylen (CEO, Amedia Foundation) and Anu Partanen (journalist and author).

THE BREAKOUT SESSIONS AND SITE VISITS on Thursday and Friday give a window into each another’s practices, foster collaboration, and offer space for discussing tough questions together. Their topics range from the environment, children and youth, and arts education to media and democracy, the impact of foundation funding and cross-border research collaboration. Many sessions focus on the question: What more can foundations do — together?

SPACE TO CONNECT one-on-one and reflect in a warm, collegial atmosphere is also part of our two days together.

P.S. We think you should stay for the weekend to explore our many public saunas, blooming restaurant scene, charming small shops, nearby nature and our down-to-earth people.