Iceland’s presidential couple visited Espoo
The presidential couple of Iceland is currently on a state visit to Finland. The state visit is hosted by President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb together with his spouse Suzanne Innes-Stubb. The key themes of the day spent in Espoo were wellbeing, sustainable development and innovation.
Iceland’s President Halla Tómasdóttir and her spouse Björn Skúlason enjoyed lunch in the Mayor’s official residence at Gumböle Manor.
“It is my pleasure to welcome the presidential couple of Iceland to Espoo. Our countries share many goals and values, including equality, sustainable development, and the wellbeing of children and young people. Together with Iceland, Espoo wants to promote research, innovation and international cooperation to build a better future both in the Nordic countries and globally,” says Espoo’s Mayor Kai Mykkänen.
While in Espoo, the presidential couple also visited the Nokia Executive Experience Center, Junior Achievement Yrityskylä, and Aalto University’s ‘Designs for a Cooler Planet’ exhibition, which showcases multidisciplinary work by students and researchers.
Wellbeing of children and young people is a top priority
The Finnish model for leisure activities was originally inspired by activities carried out in Iceland.
The Espoo Hobby Path offers over 200 free hobby groups for pupils in grades 3–9. The city wants to ensure that every child and young person has at least one meaningful hobby. The hobby selection of the Espoo Hobby Path has been planned based on the wishes of children and young people.
Experiments have shown that there is a high demand for instructor-led remote hobby groups related to things like programming and gaming.
Defending common values in international arenas
Cooperation between Finland and Iceland is built on Nordic values and common goals.
Both countries are known as strong defenders of human rights and the rule of law. In international cooperation, Finland and Iceland emphasise gender equality, combating climate change, peaceful conflict resolution and sustainable development.
Espoo has a sister city in Northern Iceland. Cooperation with the town of Skagafjörður started in 1984, and it is part of the network of Nordic sister cities.
Enquiries
Milla Ovaska, Head of International Affairs, City of Espoo, tel. +358 43 8244911, milla.ovaska@espoo.fi
You can find all Espoo Hobby Path groups through the hobby search on the city website. Schools also inform families of available hobbies through Wilma messages.