The Citizens’ Council of the Finnish Southern Africa Cooperation Institute (Pro Suomen eteläisen Afrikan kulttuuri- ja tiedeinstituutti ry) launched its activities in Helsinki and received an enthusiastic reception.
The Council held its first event on Tuesday, 9 September 2025, at the crypt of Helsinki Cathedral. It was a success, drawing nearly 60 participants to hear about current issues and discuss the future of cooperation.
Bishop Teemu Laajasalo of the Helsinki Diocese, who also chairs the Citizens’ Council, opened the program. He highlighted the long-standing historical ties between the Church of Finland and Namibia. Kalervo Väänänen, Emeritus Rector of the University of Turku and Chair of Pro Suomen eteläisen Afrikan kulttuuri- ja tiedeinstituutti ry, explained the background and goals of the Finnish Southern Africa Cooperation Institute (FSAI). In her speech, Mayor Emerita of Pori and Vice-Chair of the Citizens’ Council Aino-Maija Luukkonen emphasized the crucial role of education for women and girls in Africa’s development.
The program concluded with a presentation by Petri Pellikka, the Institute’s Research Director and Professor of Geophysics at the University of Helsinki. He shared his experiences in research and educational activities in Africa and discussed prospects for Namibia’s future.
The lively discussion culminated in the Institute being welcomed into Finland’s network of cultural and scientific institutes. FSAI is the only institute that covers the entire Southern African region. Speakers also highlighted the growing significance of the Global South in security policy, economics, and international institutions from the perspective of Europe’s future. As Väänänen noted, “If Africa does well, Europe will do well, and if Africa struggles, Europe cannot prosper either.”
Warm thanks to the Helsinki Cathedral Parish for the excellent collaboration in organizing this event!
FSAI provides a solid platform for strengthening cooperation in culture, science, education, and business. Its work is grounded in intercultural understanding and equal partnership while also addressing today’s major challenges, such as climate change and food security.
Stay tuned for upcoming events and join us in shaping the future of cooperation.
Further information:
Kalervo Väänänen, Chairman of the Board
Pro Suomen eteläisen Afrikan kulttuuri- ja tiedeinstituutti ry
e-mail: kalervo.vaananen@utu.fi
telephone: +358 40 701 1303
