Message of the President of the Republic to the Finnish community abroad

This year, we are celebrating the 90th anniversary of Finland’s independence. We can be proud that our northern – and originally a very poor – nation has over the decades, as a result of hard work, transformed itself into a Nordic welfare state, which succeeds even in tough international competition. Finns today also owe a great deal to the veterans of our wars, the generation that defended our independence and rebuilt our country.

Today Finland is part of an increasingly globalised world. Finland is a Member State of the European Union and we are actively involved in international organisations, such as the United Nations. During the past decades, our economy has also become more international. Finnish companies have increased and expanded their operations abroad. At the same time, foreign companies have brought their operations to Finland.

Globalisation is visible through the increased mobility of people. People move in and out of Finland for work, to study and for retirement. People move from one country to another during all stages of their lives.

You, Finns abroad, have a key role in influencing what kind of image people will have of Finland. Regardless of whether you live abroad permanently or temporarily, you all do important work as ambassadors for Finland and Finnish culture. You also share your experiences from abroad to Finland, and thus enrich Finnishness. Your work and the networks you have created are invaluable. It is important for Finland that you maintain your ties to your home country.

You all live, work and function as national minorities in your present countries of residence. I hope that you can share these experiences with Finland, which is still a relatively homogenous culture with very small ethnic minority groups – but which is inevitably changing into a more multicultural society. You know about the strenght and possibities that people with different backgrounds can give to a society. We, in Finland, could learn from that.

My warmest greetings on the 90th anniversary of Finland's independence.

Tarja Halonen
The President of the Republic of Finland