Promoting inclusion strengthens social cohesion 

Inclusion means belonging to and being connected with communities and society. It is reflected, for example, in trust, equality and people’s opportunity to have a say in their own community and society.  

Experiences of inclusion arise in people’s everyday life from being heard and acknowledged, from social relationships, from having a say in matters concerning themselves and from respectful encounters. 

Inclusion is the opposite of being excluded from society, such as experiencing marginalisation, social exclusion or disadvantage.  

Societal structures affect inclusion 

The structures and operating models of society can support people’s sense of inclusion. Conversely, shortcomings in these structures can hinder inclusion and prevent people from feeling included. 

Health and social policy plays a role in strengthening inclusion and ensuring a life of dignity for all people in Finland. Decisions concerning work, housing, education, mobility, the environment, construction, democracy and human rights also have a major impact on inclusion.  

How do we promote inclusion in society? 

The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health promotes inclusion by:  

• strengthening social wellbeing in society 
• ensuring that people have a reasonable income and access to well-functioning primary services  
• maintaining effective inclusion structures within its own branch of government. 

At the ministry, efforts to strengthen inclusion are also linked to combating poverty, social exclusion and inequality; supporting housing; addressing disability and Roma policy issues; and improving the health and wellbeing of immigrants and other special groups.

The work to promote the inclusion of children and young people is carried out across several ministries. The aim of the National Child Strategy is to strengthen children’s inclusion and create ways to ensure that all children in their diversity have equal tools and opportunities for inclusion in society.  

• National Child Strategy