12.30

Welcome

Keynote: Democracy and time: learning from the past, preparing for the future

Timo Miettinen is an Academy Research Fellow at the Centre for European Studies, University of Helsinki, specializing in European philosophy, the history of ideas, and political thought. His most recent work, Demokratian aika (Teos, 2024), examines democracy in relation to time, and history. Miettinen regularly provides expert commentary on issues related to the EU and Europe in both domestic and international media.

*Dialogues of our Futures: How can we bring more voices into the public discussion?

In a time when public discourse is characterized by both rapid flows of information and polarized opinions, it is more important than ever to actively work to ensure that more voices are heard. Democracy is strengthened when diverse perspectives are given space—when experiences from different parts of society are allowed to be voiced. Yet we know that many groups still face difficulties in making their voices heard, whether they are young people, minorities, residents of peripheral areas, or persons with disabilities.

This dialogue for our futures raises questions of representation and participation in public discourse—how we can create broader arenas for dialogue, and what structures are needed for inclusion to become more than just a word on paper. Drawing on both traditional and digital platforms, we explore which voices are missing and what is required for them to be able to take their place.

We also highlight how Swedish-Finnish cooperation can contribute to stronger participation and more inclusive societies. By exchanging experiences, ideas, and methods from both countries, we hope to inspire new paths forward—where more voices are heard, more people listen, and the conversation truly becomes everyone’s.

The dialogue is organized together with Åbo Akademi University and the University of Helsinki, in collaboration with the Swedish-Finnish Cultural Foundation.

14.10

Pause

Democracy Report 2025

Marina Nord from the V-Dem Institute at the University of Gothenburg presents the Democracy Report 2025: 25 Years of Autocratization – Democracy Trumped?

*Dialogues for our Futures: How can we strengthen children’s and young people’s hope for the future through inclusion?

Today’s children and young people are the ones shaping the future. How can Finland and Sweden build societies where every child and young person feels valued and heard?

Diversity is an immense resource for any society. To strengthen young people’s well-being and create a sustainable future, we need structures that promote participation, counter segregation, and give young people a genuine voice and real opportunities to influence the world around them.

The well-being, integration, and inclusion of children and youth are crucial for the future of our societies. Education, leisure activities, and a strong connection to working life foster community and a sense of purpose—while at the same time reinforcing trust in society and democracy. It is essential to prevent segregation, to view diversity as a strength, and to offer genuine opportunities for participation and influence.

When every child and young person feels fully accepted, regardless of background, we can together build a society where the future truly belongs to everyone.

Speakers:

Vida Amoah, Youth Advocate
Sigge Eriksson, Chair, LSU
Abdirahman Sugulle, Football referee and youth-inspiring advocate
Susanna Ågren, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Tampere University

The event is organized by Hanaholmen, the Itla Children’s Foundation, NordicSom, and All Our Children, in collaboration with the Swedish-Finnish Cultural Foundation.

Closing Remarks

Björn Vikström, Chair, the Anders Chydenius Foundation

Democracy Drinks

Democracy Drinks is an event concept created by Defend Democracy to provide a low threshold setting for defenders of democracy and others interested in the subject to come together for discussion, networking, brainstorming, planning and finding inspiration.

17.00

End of the event