In Finland, there is no national-level governance approach for promoting young people’s contribution to global policymaking processes. Instead, young people are identified as a target group in various policy papers, such as the National Action Plan for Youth, Peace and Security (see YouthWiki/Finland 9.1 General Context). The Action Plan notes that in the Finnish context, Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has impacted young people’s sense of security. A majority of young people consulted during the preparation of the report also estimated that the security situation is likely to worsen during the next five years.

Consultations are one way for young people to contribute to policymaking processes in Finland. In addition, young people engage actively in policymaking processes through various platforms, such as the Youth Group Agenda 2030, the Youth Nature and Climate Group NUOLI, and the Finnish National Youth Delegates (see YouthWiki/Finland 9.3 Exchanges between young people and policymakers on global issues). 

Additionally, initiatives such as ‘Make Peace Visible’ and the ‘Spring Idea Competition’ encourage young people to strive for a more sustainable future using creative methods (see YouthWiki/Finland 9.4 Raising awareness about global issues). 

Global challenges and international mobility have also caused concern among young people. Current topics of concern include the vulnerable position of students arriving in Finland from non-EU and EEA countries, and young people’s declining faith in the future (see YouthWiki/Finland 9.7 Current debates and reforms).