The Suomi Village is a virtual event which brings together Finns living overseas on June 7-13, 2021. This first-ever online arena focuses on issues that are important for expatriate Finns. The event is arranged by the Finland Society and an extensive network of cooperative partners. The village is open 24 hours a day during the week.
The Suomi Village is built around themes that are important to expatriate Finns and returnees: expatriate Finns’ (cosmopolitan) identity, family life abroad, the role of Finnish language and culture in the family as well as returning to Finland and its impact on the whole family. The village also provides information on study, pastime and work opportunities in Finland, legal advice, discussion events on issues such as communal spirit and how to support aging relatives from afar.
-We aim to create a happy communal experience and a meeting place where we can provide information and support for expatriate Finns on issues that are essential for them. It’s important to share peer experiences and support. Digitality allows people from the whole world to meet in the same village, overcoming borders and restrictions, says Tina Strandberg, Executive Director of the Finland Society.
Covid-19 restrictions have limited expatriate Finns’ life and contacts.
- Because of the pandemic, expatriate Finns have basically only been in touch with their relatives and friends in Finland through online connections. It’s understandable that they have a great need for closer contacts. At the Finland Society, we want to meet expatriates’ longing for Finland by taking our country overseas to them, explains Finland Society Chair Markus Aaltonen.
There are some two million people of Finnish background living overseas. Approximately 300,000 of them are Finnish citizens and over 254,000 are eligible to vote in Finnish elections.
The virtual Suomi Village provides a meeting place for global Finns as well as Finnish officials, companies and other actors. The event is organized by the Finland Society, the Finnish expatriates’ expert organization, together with the Finnish state administration, cities, organizations and companies.
The Suomi Village is open to all expatriate Finns and those interested in Finnish expatriatism. Registration opens on May 24, 2021 on www.suomi-seura.fi The event has room for 3,000 participants and is free of charge.
The Finnish Expatriate Parliament convenes in the Suomi Village remotely for the first time
The Finnish Expatriate Parliament’s tenth session takes place in the Suomi Village on June 11-12, 2021. For the first time, parliamentary representatives and active observers convene in a virtual session.
More information:
Project manager (Suomi Village) Kaisa Pudas +358 (0)44 710 9606
[email protected]
Finland Society Executive Director Tina Strandberg +358 (0)44 712 9230
[email protected]
Suomi Village website:
https://suomi-seura.fi/virtuaalinen-suomi-kyla-7-13-6-2021/
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