Helsinki starts its journey as an Education Capital

The inaugural Helsinki Education Capital event on 12–14 November 2024 focused on shining a light on Helsinki’s know-how and expertise in the field of education. More than 60 education and training experts and decision-makers from around the world were asked to participate in the invite-only event to discuss education’s role in building a sustainable future.

The event coincides with Helsinki’s efforts to become an international Education Capital and thus share valuable information that can contribute to the development of the future skills of children, young people and adults the world over.

“The future of humanity is decided in early childhood education and schools. Tomorrow’s urban residents will grow up in a more diverse and culturally rich environment. People the world over are interested in Helsinki’s educational vision and innovations for the future, and we want to bring these attributes to the fore with our Education Capital declaration. The event gathers together an important selection of international experts to discuss the future of education and the skills that we need to face the ever-changing world and its global and complex challenges,” said Helsinki Mayor Juhana Vartiainen, who delivered the Helsinki Education Capital event’s welcoming address.

“Helsinki has been a pioneer in education and training for many years now. Our high-quality education system is recognised throughout the world, as is demonstrated by the continuous and expanding interest in our work on the international arena. Now is the time to vigorously highlight these competences by declaring ourselves an Education Capital on the world stage,” said Helsinki's Deputy Mayor for Education Johanna Laisaari.

“As an Education Capital, we seek to strengthen international cooperation and bring together pedagogical experts and education providers from around the world. Together, we can create the education of the future,” Laisaari added.

The first-ever Helsinki Education Capital event is being co-organized by the City of Helsinki’s Education Division and the Finnish education innovation company HundrEd. The event’s keynote speech “How Finland is recreating its education systems for the future” was delivered by Finland’s Minister of Education Anders Adlercreutz.

Some of the event programme content can be followed via the City of Helsinki’s video service Helsinki Channel.