Programme | Nordic Foundation Conference 2025

Programme

The languages of the conference are Skandinaviska and English. English interpretation is available in the plenary sessions.

The conference starting time on Thursday and ending time on Friday are set. However, starting and ending times of individual sessions within the programme might still change slightly.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25

All programme at Kulttuurikasarmi (Narinkka 2, Helsinki) except dinner

8:30 MORNING WALK & RUN WITH FOUNDATION COLLEAGUES

In Helsinki city centre, starting from Kulttuurikasarmi

9:30 Registration opens

8:30 OPENING PLENARY

Opening of the Conference
Keynote speech by Pekka Haavisto, Member of the Parliament of Finland
Pekka Haavisto brings a multifaceted perspective on polarization, shaped by decades of experience in national and international leadership. He has served as Finland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Minister of the Environment, and Minister for International Development. On the global stage, he has held key roles as the United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for the Darfur peace process and as the European Union's Special Representative in Sudan and Darfur. A widely respected and popular politician, Haavisto has traveled extensively across Finland and the world, listening to the concerns, hopes, and lived experiences of people from all regions and backgrounds. His work reflects a deep commitment to dialogue, inclusion, and understanding in the face of societal divides.
Foundation commentary to the keynote speech
Three messages on polarisation to the Nordic Foundations
Group discussions between the participants

12:30 LUNCH

13:45 BREAK OUT SESSIONS

► See the first 10 published sessions here!

15:15 COFFEE & CONTACTS: Time for refreshments and having 1-to-1 conversations with foundations of your interest

16:00 PLENARY

Discussion: Art Making or Breaking Polarisation
Keynote speech on the Future of Philanthropy, Charity and the Welfare society by Nicklas Larsen
Nicklas Larsen is a futures practitioner, educator, author, and public speaker who advocates and mobilises for political representation of future generations. He wants to equip leaders with the critical skills and tools to imagine, plan, and prepare for emerging futures — driving systemic change, fostering intergenerational fairness, and shaping transformative approaches. Nicklas serves in more roles, among them as UNESCO Co-Chair in Futures Capabilities and Senior Advisor heading Arts and Culture, at the Copenhagen Institute for Futures Studies.

17:30 Free time before dinner

19:00 EVENING PROGRAM WITH DINNER AT BISTRO O MAT HAKANIEMI
Address: Toinen Linja 7, 9th floor