Independence Day reception at Presidential Palace to highlight changing times

Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
Press release 39/2023
31 October 2023

President of the Republic of Finland Sauli Niinistö and his spouse Jenni Haukio will host an Independence Day reception with the theme changing times on Wednesday 6 December 2023 at the Presidential Palace.

“We are living in a time when many things we have taken for granted are being questioned and new futures are being created at an unprecedented pace. Our common task is to find solutions to the challenges we face and make sure we are heading in the right direction”, President Niinistö says.

The presidential couple will invite approximately 1,700 guests, who have distinguished themselves in various ways in different fields.

The guests are a variety of people with long and illustrious careers who have been trailblazers, role models and mentors in their fields. Invitees also include skilled young innovators, frontrunners working with key success factors for the future and professionals who guarantee security in society and everyday life. Moreover, special attention has been paid to actions that support children and young people. As in previous years, a significant number of the guests have been invited for the first time.

The guests of honour at the Independence Day reception are war veterans and members of the women’s voluntary civil defence organisation Lotta Svärd.

The mailing of invitations has started.