Promotion of Internationalisation in Focus at the Autumn Forum in Oulu

"The gathering of more than 250 participants and speakers after a two-year break was a wonderful opportunity to network, be inspired and promote internationalisation together with experts from the higher education sector," says Katja Nieminen, Head of International Affairs at the University of Oulu and leader of the local organising team.

One of the highlights of the programme was the publication of the Ministry of Education and Culture's new 2035 vision for promoting the internationalisation of higher education and research. The vision has been drawn up by the International Forum appointed by the Ministry of Education and Culture, and its purpose is to guide various actors, such as universities, scientific institutions, and administrative agencies, to guide their own international strategies toward the significant themes of the vision, the Ministry writes on its website. The vision was handed over to the Minister of Science and Culture of Finland Petri Honkonen in Helsinki on Tuesday August 16, 2022.

"In these times, our values ​​and the principles of our operations are more important than ever. Saying them out loud is also important, in addition to implementing them in our various activities. We defend the freedom of science, research and teaching, the autonomy of actors, and indivisible and inalienable human rights. Equality and shared responsibility must be part of our activities, both nationally and internationally," said Minister of Science and Culture Petri Honkonen at the handover ceremony, the Ministry reports.

"The goals of the vision support and resonate strongly with the internationalisation policies of the University of Oulu," Nieminen says. "In the vision, the guiding role of the Finnish value base, principles and responsibility in the development and building of international cooperation, partnerships and the diversity of society comes to the fore. Raising the competitiveness and profile of Finnish higher education and research is also in the focus."

During the event, discussions in Oulu covered several themes, including European universities and EU advocacy, the national Talent Boost program, education export, and international mobility and competencies.

More information: Katja Nieminen, Head of International Affairs, University of Oulu, email katja.nieminen@oulu.fi