The Finnish opening event of the Finnish Southern Africa Cooperation Institute (FSAI), held in the festive premises of Unioninkatu 33, brought together nearly 80 participants to hear timely remarks and discuss the future of cooperation.
The Finnish Southern Africa Cooperation Institute (FSAI) marked the launch of its activities by hosting an event in Helsinki on 24 November, gathering nearly 80 participants to learn about the institute’s work. The official opening of FSAI had taken place earlier in Windhoek on 9–10 October 2025. The aim of the Helsinki event was to increase awareness of the institute and its potential, as well as to bring together actors interested in cooperation in the southern African region.
The event was opened by Kalervo Väänänen, Chair of the FSAI Board, who presented the institute’s current situation and its action plan for the coming year. Greetings were delivered by Namibia’s Ambassador to Finland, Gebhard Benjamin Kardanga, in person, and Finland’s Ambassador to Namibia, Katja Kalamäki, via video message from Namibia. The Chair of the Institute’s Civic Delegation, Bishop Teemu Laajasalo, emphasised the need to maintain Finland’s visible presence in Namibia and hoped to see it expand to neighbouring countries. Member of Parliament Ville Valkonen and Deputy Director General of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Timo Olkkonen, highlighted in their remarks the shifting global priorities and the growing importance of the South–North axis for Europe and, consequently, for Finland.
Music for the event was provided by the Southern Africa Ensemble from the Sibelius Academy.
At the end of the event, a panel discussion was held under the theme “Impactful Cooperation – Sustainable Partnership”. The discussion was chaired by Martti Eirola, Vice Chair of the FSAI Board and Chair of the Finland–Namibia Society. Panellists included Vice Rector Jouni Ahonen, Director General Elina Anttila, Executive Director Hanna Lämsä, Professor Petri Pellikka and Ambassador Anu Saxen.
Speakers underscored the growing importance of cooperation between the Global North and South in the current world situation. They highlighted the need to systematically expand collaboration not only in Namibia but also across other southern African countries. The business perspective and opportunities for corporate cooperation in southern Africa were emphasised, and the significance of mutual cultural understanding in business emerged strongly. The panel reflected broadly on what makes cooperation impactful and how sustainable, long-term partnerships can be built. In addition to institutional relations, personal relationships were deemed highly important for successful cooperation.
With the institute’s activities now launched, the panel considered it essential to make clear strategic choices, broaden the funding base, strengthen communication and visibility, and enhance higher education cooperation. Highlighted focus areas included cooperation in museum activities, teacher training, and issues related to climate change, such as food security and cultivation in arid regions.
According to the panel, FSAI has the potential to play a significant role in increasing reliable knowledge and awareness of cooperation opportunities in both Namibia and the wider southern African region for Finland. The institute can serve precisely as the kind of intermediary needed for building new, sustainable partnerships.
The event programme is available via the link.
https://fsai.fi/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/FSAI_Helsinki_Launch_24112025_ENG.pdf
Watch the video greeting by Katja Kalamäki, Finland’s Ambassador to Namibia.
https://fsai.fi/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/VIDEO-2025-11-24-13-16-16.mp4
Photos of the event.
https://fsai.fi/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/FSAI-opening-in-Helsinki.mov
