Webinar: Governing through transformation – How Finland is reforming its governance in the times of crisis

As a part of the OECD’s Government After Shock event series, Demos Helsinki will arrange a webinar that brings together high-level government officials and decision-makers to deliberate, ideate and challenge a pivotal question: In the light of the COVID-19 crisis, what should governments do differently and how?

COVID-19 has required governments to adapt quickly. Now it is time to discuss what we have learned, and what we should take with us to the post-pandemic time that lies ahead. The webinar hosted by Demos Helsinki will take place on Tuesday the 17th of November at 15.45-17.00 EET. (14.45-16.00 CET)

Today, governments are in the limelight. 2020 marks a fundamental shift in many aspects, and it has become increasingly clear that governments have a leading role to play in the success of societies. Now there is momentum to discuss how governments should reform their machineries to better respond to the challenges of the 21st century.

COVID-19 has required governments to adapt quickly. Now it is time to discuss what we have learned, and what we should take with us to the post-pandemic time that lies ahead

The Finnish government has for many years been at the forefront of ambitious government reforms. With an impressive track record on reforming its government machinery through increasingly strategic political steering and experimentalist mindset, the country will serve as a case to take us along on a journey of a 21st century government transformation. Together, we need to learn from each other and co-create new approaches that help us ensure a prosperous future.

The event

The webinar will begin with presentations of recent government reforms in Finland. We will enjoy brief presentations by:

  • Permanent Under Secretary Päivi Nerg from the Ministry of Finance will present Finland’s new strategy for public governance of the 2020’s, which seeks to redefine the principles and guidelines of governance reform in Finland for the coming decade.
  • Counsellor Sirpa Kekkonen from The Prime Minister’s Office will describe how Finland is rethinking its governance approaches to enable a humble and continuously learning approach to policy-making.
  • Auditor General Tytti Yli-Viikari from the National Audit Office who will present the institution seeks to rethink its role as an enabler and supporter of systemic change in government.

The event will continue with a high-level panel that discusses learnings from their respective countries, as well as Q&A with the audience. Our confirmed panelists include:

  • Mr. Taimar Peterkop, Secretary of State in the Government of Estonia
  • Dr. Andrea M. Schneider, Head of Directorate for Policy Planning and Innovation at the German Chancellery

The event is open for everyone who wishes to learn and engage in a constructive dialogue on how governments can learn from each other. Please register here by the 15th of November.