Mika Poutala appointed to serve as Minister of Youth, Sport and Physical Activity Link to an external website
On 13 June, the President of the Republic appointed Member of Parliament, entrepreneur and Olympic athlete Mika Poutala as Minister of Youth, Sport and Physical Activity and as a member of the Government.
State Award for Public Information goes to eight recipients – making the invisible visible Link to an external website
The recipients of the 2025 State Award for Public Information have two things in common: they give a voice to those often left unheard and they challenge the status quo. Their work invites us to look at the world with curiosity, empathy and a critical eye.
Heidi Backman appointed Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Culture Link to an external website
The Government appointed Director Heidi Backman, M.Soc.Sc. as Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Culture on 12 June. The appointment is for a five-year term beginning on 4 August 2025.
Growth strategy for the creative economy aims for sustainable growth and internationalisation Link to an external website
The growth of the creative industries and the creative economy is based on companies in the sector, their growth and internationalisation. Compared to its reference countries, such as Sweden, Finland has so far not really known how to make use of immaterial value creation. The creative industries still have a considerable amount of untapped potential for economic growth in Finland.
Kirsti Laine-Hendolin appointed as new Director General of the Department for Youth and Sport PolicyLink to an external website
On 12 June, the Government appointed Kirsti Laine-Hendolin, Master of Arts (Education), to the post of Director General of the Ministry of Education and Culture for the period from 1 September 2025 to 31 July 2030. The Director General is the head of the Ministry’s Department for Youth and Sport Policy.
Education, Youth, Culture and Sports Council to convene on 12–13 MayLink to an external website
The topics on the agenda include the joint European degree label and the role of education in preventing inequality. The Council will also discuss the impact of disinformation, manipulation and cyber threats on young people and delve into the future strategic priorities for the cultural sector in the EU. Council conclusions are expected on the promotion of sport and physical activity in the educational context.
-
Read more about how the Ministry of Education and Culture is developing the general upper secondary education.
-
The vision work assesses the type of needs that exist for further developing comprehensive schools and the capabilities that education should offer for the future
-
The new vision aims to respond to the changes in society and to formulate long-term guidelines for enhancing higher education and research.
-
You will find information about the PISA review and about results obtained by Finland in different years.
-
Finnish education system offers equal opportunities for all. Learners can always proceed to an upper level of education.
Ministry of Education and Culture
The Ministry of Education and Culture is responsible for the development of education, science, cultural, sport and youth policies. The administrative branch of the Ministry of Education and Culture comprises 13 agencies, including Finnish National Agency for Education, Academy of Finland and Arts Promotion Centre Finland.
International cooperation
In international affairs, the Ministry participates in the work of major international organisations and regional councils, implements programmes and initiatives nationally and supports cultural cooperations and expatriate activities.
International cooperation of Ministry of Education and Culture
Anders Adlercreutz
Minister of Education
Mari-Leena Talvitie
Minister of Science and Culture