The first round of National Dialogues in spring 2023 concentrated on the theme “living in uncertainty” which focused on issues and phenomena that cause experiences of uncertainty for people living in Finland. Most of the citizens who participated in the discussions feel that uncertainty has increased in their lives.
During the first round of National Dialogues in spring 2023, “living in uncertainty” focused on issues and phenomena that cause experiences of uncertainty for people living in Finland. Most of the citizens who participated in the discussions feel that uncertainty has increased in their lives.
Many people who participated in the discussions highlight the economic uncertainty they have experienced. It has many impacts on people’s everyday choices, mental strain and faith in the future. A key topic of discussion in the dialogues was the Finnish welfare state and its future. Many participants are concerned about “whether the welfare state no longer exists, whether it has eroded”. This concern stems from different experiences in which society’s security networks have failed or public services have not been provided.
Participants felt that societal confrontations have also increased and that the national spirit of togetherness is being put to the test. As a result of increased uncertainty, many feel that their faith in the future has weakened.
The most important factors facilitating living in uncertainty are communality, everyday wellbeing skills and activities based on personal values. “The dialogues showed signs that simply strengthening people’s psychological flexibility is not enough. At the same time, we must be able to encourage and support people in activities and influencing that strengthen their values,” says Kai Alhanen, Director of the Dialogue Academy.
60 organizers took part in the National Dialogue in the spring, including non-governmental organizations and associations, municipalities and cities, central government and education organizations, foundations and institutes, companies and individual citizens. Together, these actors carried out 85 dialogues involving approximately 650 people representing different age groups, occupational groups and cultural backgrounds.
Read the summary: Life in uncertainty, Summary of national dialogues in spring 2023
Further information:
Director
Kai Alhanen
Dialogue Academy
kai.alhanen@aretai.org
Senior Ministerial Adviser
Katju Holkeri
Ministry of Finance
katju.holkeri@gov.fi
+358 295 530 087