Consulate General of Finland in Los Angeles

Our intern, Tiia Kiuru, reflects on the past six months as an EDUFI Trainee at the Consulate General of Finland in Los Angeles. ?? "Time has flown by, and I can’t believe it’s already my last day! This internship has been an incredible opportunity, offering me a chance to contribute to tasks focused on developing research-based networks and strengthening connections between Finland and the US in higher education, innovation, and science. My role has been wonderfully diverse, and it has been shaped to match my skills and interests. Through various projects and report writing, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of the academic and scientific landscapes in North America. I’ve also had the chance to help with communications and social media content creation, an area in which I had prior experience. Plus, I've had the privilege of being involved in organizing events, including those in the exciting world of music and entertainment here in LA. It’s been inspiring to meet and network with professionals from so many different fields. The work has been everything from conducting reports at my desk to visiting university campuses and even dealing with unexpected surprises—like encountering a skunk! Every day has been different, and the work has also been quite flexible so I could enjoy the beautiful nature here in California. One of the highlights has undoubtedly been my visit to the beautiful Yosemite National Park. This internship has been an amazing opportunity to dive into the world of diplomacy and gain invaluable international experience. The work environment at the Consulate has been incredibly welcoming, and I am deeply grateful to my colleagues for their support and kindness. The team and the sense of community are what I’ll miss the most as I wrap up my time here. Working for Finland has felt incredibly meaningful, and I’m so grateful for everything I’ve learned. I’m excited to soak up a bit more of the LA sun before returning to Finland to finish my Master’s degree! ????" A heartfelt thank you, Tiia, you will be missed! #InternshipExperience #EDUFI #FinlandinLA #Ty?harjoittelu

Helsinki Airport has once again been selected as the best airport in Europe in its size category! The airport company Finavia has won an Airport Service Quality Award six times in the last seven years ? ?? Read more about how Helsinki Airport has developed its customer experience in recent years: https://lnkd.in/d8GsxMHs #HelsinkiAirport #CustomerExperience

”AI is not just a tool — it is the key to unlocking Europe's potential,” Minister Elina Valtonen told the audience at today's Helsinki Roundtable on AI and International Security. Bringing together top experts, decision-makers, and business leaders, the event explored AI’s impact on international security and the future of cooperation between democracies. Missed the discussion? Watch the full recording here: https://lnkd.in/diMqYvXs

Finland Will Host a Roundtable on AI & International Security AI is reshaping societies, economies, and global relations, bringing both opportunities and challenges for international security. Join top experts, including FM Elina Valtonen, Nokia CEO Pekka Lundmark, Silo AI’s Peter Sarlin, and WSJ’s Dan Michaels, as they explore AI’s impact and strategic implications. ?? Watch the discussion on YouTube on March 13, 2025: https://ow.ly/pt5950V9qVC

Meet Jussi Sipola: Finland’s Honorary Consul in Hawai’i! From the serene northern reaches of Finland to the tropical shores of Hawai’i, Jussi Sipola’s journey is a unique blend of cultures, traditions, and personal discovery. A long-time resident of Honolulu, Jussi brings together his Finnish roots, Buddhist practice, and passion for cultural exchange to strengthen ties between Finland and Hawai’i. As Honorary Consul, he works to support the local Finnish community, promote Finnish culture, and facilitate diplomatic connections between the two regions. Whether he’s playing ice hockey in Hawai’i’s only indoor rink or introducing locals to Finnish delicacies, Jussi is dedicated to bridging these two worlds. Read more about his inspiring story and the growing Finnish presence in Hawai’i: https://lnkd.in/e2tdmiPG Music: Mina favorit svamp- och b?rst?llen (My Favourite Mushroom and Berry Spots) from ??ni?: Finland’s Official Soundscape by Lauri Porra Jussi S. #FinlandInHawaii #HonoraryConsul #Finland

Finland is a steadfast supporter of gender equality. Finland advances gender equality through its foreign and security policy. ??Finland improves access to quality education for all girls. ??Finland drives gender equality in innovations and technology. ??Finland promotes the rights of women and girls, including sexual and reproductive health and rights, globally. Sexual and reproductive health and rights are key to gender equality and women′s economic empowerment. ??Finland supports prevention of sexual and gender-based violence and promotes access to services for survivors. ??Finland promotes women′s political participation and leadership. For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment. #ForAllWomenAndGirls #InternationalWomensDay2025 #HumanRights

NOW – Nordic Opportunity Week was established over a decade ago to celebrate and promote Nordic creative talent and has since evolved into a vital platform for connecting Nordic creatives with Hollywood. This year’s #NOW2025 kicked off with the traditional Oscar celebration, followed by targeted programming designed to create meaningful opportunities for Nordic creatives. Highlights included dedicated programs for Nordic producers and female cinematographers. Finland was proudly represented by producers Aleksi Hyv?rinen and Toni Kurkim?ki, along with cinematographer P?ivi Kettunen F.S.C.. Throughout the week, they had the opportunity to explore collaboration opportunities with key U.S. stakeholders and showcase Finnish creativity on the global stage. During NOW 2025, the Consulate General of Finland in Los Angeles hosted a dinner reception to foster connections between Nordic music labels & publishers and U.S. decision-makers. We were thrilled to welcome Nordic trade mission delegates from NOMEX, the network of Music Finland, Music Norway, Export Music Sweden (Official), MXD - Music Export Denmark, and Iceland Music , who were in Los Angeles for a parallel trade mission. The evening featured a roundtable discussion with industry professionals, followed by a Nordic-inspired meal and networking. A heartfelt thank you to our partner, NOW - Nordic Opportunity Week, for co-hosting the reception and to our wonderful guests for joining us. Until next year! #Nordicfilm #Nordicmusic #Finland #FinlandinLA

Last month, we had the pleasure of hosting a very special ceremony honoring a longtime friend of Finland. Norway’s former Honorary Consul in Los Angeles, Michael Soroy, was presented a decoration of The Order of the White Rose of Finland, awarded by the President of Finland. In addition to distinguished Finnish citizens, foreign nationals may be awarded a decoration of the order due to exceptional, meritious conduct for the good of Finland. Michael Soroy provided irreplacable support and expertise to help not only Finland, but also the community of five Nordic countries in Los Angeles, when creating our joint premises known as the Nordic Five Hub two years ago. Our Consul General Okko-Pekka Salmimies had the honor to present the decoration to Michael Soroy among our Nordic friends and colleagues. Warmest congratulations!

For three years, Ukraine and the Ukrainian people have fought against Russia’s illegal aggression – defending the freedom of us all. Finlands stands with Ukraine. Today, tomorrow, and in the future. For as long as needed. #StandWithUkraine ????????

A unique opportunity: Finnish bioeconomy in action Did you know that 75% of Finland is covered by forests? This makes Finland a global leader in forest bioeconomy. ? The third annual Trade and Study Mission offers a deep dive into Finnish solutions and collaboration opportunities focusing on forestry, forest industry, new bio-based products, and wood construction. Are you a bioeconomy business, research, or policy expert from the U.S. or Canada? This mission is for you. Learn more and sign up by March 9: https://lnkd.in/eTXZCYjF Business Finland North America Consulate General of Finland in New York Consulate General of Finland in Los Angeles