How can we strengthen children’s and young people’s hope for the future through inclusion?

Dialogues for our Futures: How can we strengthen children’s and young people’s hope for the future through inclusion? shall take the place in Hanaholmen Democracy Day on Tuesday 2.12.2025 at 3PM. More information here

Today’s children and young people are the ones shaping the future. How can Finland and Sweden build societies where every child and young person feels valued and heard?

Diversity is an immense resource for any society. To strengthen young people’s well-being and create a sustainable future, we need structures that promote participation, counter segregation, and give young people a genuine voice and real opportunities to influence the world around them.

The well-being, integration, and inclusion of children and youth are crucial for the future of our societies. Education, leisure activities, and a strong connection to working life foster community and a sense of purpose—while at the same time reinforcing trust in society and democracy. It is essential to prevent segregation, to view diversity as a strength, and to offer genuine opportunities for participation and influence.

When every child and young person feels fully accepted, regardless of background, we can together build a society where the future truly belongs to everyone.

Speakers:

Vida Amoah, Youth Advocate
Sigge Eriksson, Chair, LSU
Abdirahman Sugulle, Football referee and youth-inspiring advocate
Susanna Ågren, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Tampere University

Moderator: Ella Turta, Programme Coordinator, Hanaholmen

The dialogue is organized by Hanaholmen, the Itla Children’s Foundation, NordicSom, and All Our Children, in collaboration with the Swedish-Finnish Cultural Foundation