Independence Day celebrations to focus on environment

Office of the President of the Republic
Press Release 44/2018
6 November 2018

The theme for this year’s Independence Day reception will be our shared environment. President of the Republic Sauli Niinistö and Mrs Jenni Haukio will extend invitation to Finns who have distinguished themselves in many different ways in the areas of sustainability and the environment.

“Environment and nature are inseparable parts of Finland and being a Finn. Because of climate change, Finland may look very different in the future. The responsibility now rests with us”, President Niinistö says.

The Office of the President of the Republic of Finland has released details of its new environmental plan, designed to reduce the office carbon footprint by at least two thirds by February 2024. At the Independence Day reception, commitment to carbon reduction will be reflected in the catering and decorations chosen for the occasion.

The dress set to be worn by Mrs Jenni Haukio will also act as a showcase for sustainable innovation. It is created by Aalto University by using environmentally friendly fibre, Ioncell.

To mark the occasion of Finland’s independence, President Niinistö and Mrs Jenni Haukio will invite some 1,700 Finnish people who have made a substantial contribution to life in Finland, whether professionally or within their communities. Finnish war veterans and members of the Lotta Svärd women’s auxiliary corps will be invited to attend as guests of honour. Invitations to the Independence Day reception are now being sent out.