SuomiAreena has a great variety of events in English
SuomiAreena is the largest societal discussion festival in Finland, and it takes place in Pori every year. The purpose of the festival is to invite and allow everyone to get their voices heard by participating in discussions of social, economic and political issues. The 4-day festival takes place 24th to 27th June all around Pori.
Seven stages around the city centre, for example in Raatihuoneenpuisto park, Eteläranta and Puuvilla shopping centre, hold hundreds of different discussions revolving around themes such as internationality, growth, economics, clean energy and safety. Here are suggestions for those interested in the English programme.
Visit suomiareena.fi to see more details of the programme, locations of the stages and more.
TUESDAY 24TH OF JUNE
at 14:00-14:45
A society where everyone truly feels they belong?
Puuvillan lava (Puuvilla stage)
How can we build a society where everyone truly feels they belong? The Redesign Belonging (ReBel) project supports the development of grassroots solutions to the everyday challenges faced by immigrant women across Europe—challenges that are often overlooked by conventional integration policies.
at 14:00-14:45
Securing our skies: Ensuring European fuel supply and infrastructure in aviation
Rantalava (Eteläranta stage)
Join our discussion on ensuring the safety of fuel distribution infrastructure and availability of sustainable fuels in air traffic. Norwegian, Finavia, St1, and Norsk-e-Fuel will present necessary actions, technologies and safety practices for securing fuel distribution both on the ground and in the air. The discussion will cover the roles of fuel producers, airlines and airports in building reliable European value chains.
at 15:00-15:45
A new era of sustainability in aviation – industry insights on the next chapter
Rantalava (Eteläranta stage)
Welcome to an inspiring discussion where we delve into Norwegian’s, Finavia’s, St1’s and Norsk e-Fuel’s sustainability efforts and their impact on Finnish society. The panel will discuss solutions for achieving economic, environmental and social sustainability, opportunities for collaboration, and innovative fuel alternatives provided by St1 and Norsk-e-Fuel. Join us to discover the concrete steps being taken to pave the way towards a more sustainable air traffic.
at 18:30-20:00
SuomiAreena presents: Julija Navalnaja
Raatihuoneenpuiston lava (Raatihuone park stage)
Russian opposition figurehead and freedom fighter Julija Navalnaja will speak about courage, hope – and the true cost of freedom. Known as the wife of the late opposition leader Aleksei Navalny, Navalnaja has steadfastly continued the fight against the Russian regime from exile. Navalnaja’s speech will explore resilience, the realities of opposition work in exile, and the West’s relationship with Russia – but above all, how one person can sustain hope in times where many have already lost it.
WEDNESDAY 25 TH OF JUNE
at 11:00-11:45
Jeremy Schwartz: Countries (like Finland!) need a vision to survive in the world of AI and robots
Raatihuoneenpuiston lava (Raatihuone park stage)
Finland — like every other country — needs a bold, long-term vision for its role in an AI-driven world. What should it stand for? What industries should it lead in? What values should it hold important? This session explores how national visioning can guide political unity, inspire young people, and make a country thrive — not just survive — as AI, robots, and geopolitical shifts change everything.
As a former CEO with first-hand experience in transforming global businesses, Jeremy Schwartz is a leader who knows what it takes to be #1 in a fast-moving business environment.
at 14:00-14:45
Nordic hydrogen race – Who takes the lead?
Rantalava (Eteläranta stage)
The Nordic countries are charging ahead with bold hydrogen strategies – but who will set the pace? Is collaboration the key to creating a global hydrogen powerhouse, or will competition deliver faster breakthroughs? In this high-energy discussion, industry frontrunners share their perspectives on national ambitions, regional cooperation, and the race to lead the next energy revolution. The speakers will be confirmed during May.
FRIDAY 27 TH OF JUNE
at 11:30-12:30
Keynote Speaker, Astronaut Ron Garan
Raatihuoneenpuiston lava (Raatihuone park stage)
Former F-16 fighter pilot & NASA Astronaut Ron Garan inspires audiences to shift mindsets, expand horizons, and unlock the power to create exponential results.
at 12:30-13:30
Children and Youth Speak: Questions for an Astronaut
Raatihuoneenpuiston lava (Raatihuone park stage)
at 13:00-14:00
Opportunities in Space Science Research and Its Commercialization as a Finnish Export Product
Raatihuoneenpuiston lava (Raatihuone park stage)
Finland is a small country, but in space, even the small can be agile. The development of space technology and exploitation of space data in research offers unprecedented opportunities, but the benefits will only materialize if research evolves into exportable solutions. This discussion won’t stay in the stratosphere – we’ll identify concrete ways to turn space-based research into a national competitive advantage. How can expertise and innovation be transformed into business? What role does the public sector play in this chain? Now is the time to talk about bold steps toward a commercial orbit.