PROGRESS ON SDGS IN FINLAND

Assessments by the Government

and Civil Society Organisations
AN EXCERPT FROM THE VOLUNTARY NATIONAL REVIEW OF FINLAND 2020
Foreword
This publication represents the essence of Finnish VNR – the assessment of progress
in 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This publication is an excerpt from the
Voluntary National Review 2020 of Finland. The assessment consists of two independent
evaluations: one made by state authorities, the other made by a group of civil society
organisations.

All the ministries were involved in the assessment of state authorities, utilizing the data of
both SDG indicators and national monitoring mechanisms to their assessment, alongside
with other relevant information.

With the coordination of the national development NGOs umbrella organization Fingo,
all together 57 Finnish civil society actors participated in the process of estimating
Finland’s performance on all the 17 SDGs, from few to up to 12 actors on each goal. The
assessments represent the voice of different actors of Finnish civil society, from small to
big ones, from trade unions or national umbrella organizations of social sector to CSOs
mainly working on development cooperation or smaller activist-based actors.

The aim was to give voice to the non-governmental actors in the official report, and
thereby strengthen the dialogue between the Government and the civil society in
Finland. In some SDGs, the assessments of the Government and the civil society actors
are well in line, whereas in some other SDGs there are differences in assessments. The civil
society assessments are attached to the national VNR report in their original form and
language.

The assessments have been made during the first half of 2020. Read the entire VNR of
Finland (urn.fi/URN:ISBN:978-952-287-947-9).
 End poverty in all its forms in everywhere

Government’s assessment
1.1  Due to comprehensive universal social security system, exacerbates the consequences of poverty. Persistent at-risk-of
no-one in Finland is living in extreme poverty. poverty rates remained unchanged; the oldest age groups
1.2  No significant changes have taken place in the at-risk- have seen a slight decline. Persistent risk of poverty especially
of-poverty rate. The proportion of low-income earners affects student-age young adults and elderly people aged
has gradually declined in the oldest age groups. over 80. Persistent risk of poverty is more prevalent among
1.3  Finland provides comprehensive social security covering men; however, in the oldest age groups, it affects women in
the whole population. The level of benefits has been particular.
raised to some extent for people living on basic social Finland’s challenge is to maintain a relatively equal
security. distribution of income and prevent the intergenerational
1.4  The entire population has access to basic services, transmission of poverty. Continued special attention should be
ownership and control over land and other forms of paid to the situation of single-parent families. Many immigrant
property. Everyone has access to new technology, also as groups are also at higher risk of poverty when compared with
part of public services. The number of people in default the general population. Poverty is somewhat deeper among
has been growing. There are more men than women with low-income men than women.
payment defaults. Finland has succeeded in avoiding growth in income
1.5  The situation of different population groups is taken into disparities over the 2010s. Pensioners have also seen positive
account when improving society’s disaster resilience and developments in their income levels.
preparing for climate change. As for the global responsibility, the purpose of Finland’s
development policy and cooperation is eradication of extreme
poverty, reduction of inequalities and sustainable development.
In all activities, the cross-cutting objectives are gender equality,
IN FINLAND, inequalities in income and wealth are low by non-discrimination and climate sustainability. The geographical
international standards. Relative income disparities and relative focus is Africa and particularly fragile states.
poverty have remained at more or less the same level over Through the UN and other international organisations and
the last 15 to 20 years. In percentage terms, income levels partnerships, Finland supports and promotes universal social
have increased at the same rate in all income brackets, which protection model, in which actions and systems cover the entire
means that absolute poverty has declined, but absolute population. In 2015–2019, Finland supported the construction
income disparities have grown. Persistent low-income earning of social security systems in Africa and Asia, with particular
emphasis on women, girls, people with disabilities and the
objectives of decent work.

Key national policy initiatives in 2015–2020

Persistent low-income earning by age, by Year (%) and Age • To adjust general government finances, the National Pension
Persistent risk of poverty in household-dwelling population Index was frozen for the 2017–2018 period. The basic
component of social assistance was raised.
30 % • General increases have been made to the levels of benefits
25 % such as guarantee pensions and minimum daily sickness
20 % allowances. The levels of basic social security benefits were
also raised.
15 %
10 %
• Tax-funded pensions were raised for people on small
pensions. The general and index increases made to national
5% and guarantee pensions aim to safeguard the livelihoods of
0% pensioners while reducing poverty and deprivation.
•
4–7

88–
Age

8–11
12–15
16–19

72–75
32–35

52–55
24–27

76–79
28–31

68–71
20–23

48–51

56–59
36–39

44–47
40–43

64–67

80–83
84–87
60–63

Child benefits were raised for families considered to be at

the highest risk of poverty (families with multiple children,
2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 single-parent families), while also increasing the amount of
the basic component of social assistance for single parents.

4
End poverty in all its forms in everywhere

Civil society’s assessment

TREND: NEGATIVE

FINLAND WILL NOT REACH THE TARGET OF REDUCING the Finland has taken some action to reduce poverty.
number of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion. In its EU Although basic social security was mostly subject to index
2020 strategy, Finland committed to having 770 000 people at freezes and cuts, individual benefits were also increased in
risk in 2020. In 2018 the number was 856 000 (15.8 per cent of 2016–2019, including guarantee pension and the minimum
the population), 40 000 more than in 2016. sickness and parental allowances. Normal index increases were
The index cuts and freezes adopted in 2016–2019 had re-introduced from the beginning of 2020, and the smallest
a significant effect on basic social security. The reductions pensions, minimum daily allowances (incl. unemployment and
in social security benefits caused more people to become sickness allowances), child maintenance allowance and single-
dependent on social assistance. In 2018 it was paid to one parent supplement to the child benefit and child benefit for the
household in ten, a total of 470 000 people. Poverty was also 4th and 5th child were increased. The trend is going in the right
increased by the high cost of rental housing as well as increases direction, but the increases do not cancel out the previous cuts.
in health care client fees and the deductible on travel and An improved employment rate has benefited the
medicine costs. Based on a statutory evaluation of adequacy unemployed who are now employed, and the number of people
of basic social security, the income levels of those receiving who have been unemployed for over a year almost halved in
unemployment benefit, home care allowance, minimum sick 2015–2019 (from 122 000 to 63 000). Positive aspects include
leave allowance or parental daily allowance are not sufficient to the reforms taking effect in 2020: restoring the subjective right
cover the reasonable minimum consumption budget. Student to day care for all children, dismantling the activation model
social security covers the reasonable minimum consumption and re-linking the study grant to the national pension index.
budget only if supplemented by a student loan. Basic pension
security, on the other hand, is sufficient to meet this minimum
consumption target, but the assessment does not include cost Finland must
of illness. • continue increasing the level of basic social security and
Around 120 000 children are affected by poverty, and create an accessible and flexible social security system
its impact on opportunities available in life already affects • increase the production of affordable rental housing
children under 2 years. Poverty makes attending school more • make the decision to provide free upper secondary
difficult, it reduces leisure time options and it increases the risk education and support the equal opportunities of children
of marginalisation. The rate of children living in low-income and young people to leisure time activities
households has increased from 10.2 per cent (2016) to 10.5 per • update employment services so they provide more
cent (2018). The Government has not tied child benefits to an personalised support
index, although they would need to increase between 47 and • assess not just the number of vacancies but also their
68 per cent if the aim was to match in real terms the level paid decency
at the launch of the current system (in 1994). Other groups at • support those in the most vulnerable situations through
risk of poverty include those living alone, the underemployed, development cooperation; direct at least 0.2 of GNI to the
single parents, immigrants, people with disabilities, people with poorest development countries
long-term illnesses and imprisoned inmates. Around seven per • increase the amount of humanitarian assistance.
cent of entrepreneurs are living under the poverty line, with
poverty affecting the self-employed in particular. Organisations participating in this assessment: Attac
Finland is not meeting its obligations regarding the Finland, Central Organisation of Finnish Trade Unions SAK,
global reduction of poverty. From 2015 to 2019, Finland cut Fida International, Finnish Development NGOs Fingo, Finnish
approximately 40 per cent of its development assistance – even Foundation for Supporting Ex-Offenders, Save the Children
from CSOs, even though they reach the people in the most Finland, Finnish National Organisation of the Unemployed,
vulnerable position. Finland is not complying with the payment SOSTE Finnish Federation for Social Affairs and Health.
of 0.2 of GNI to the least developed countries (the figure in 2019
was 0.15), and its humanitarian aid payments have decreased
30 per cent from 2014.

5
 End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition
and promote sustainable agriculture

Government’s assessment
2.1  Finland has ensured that everyone has access improvement in the quality of nutrition. In 2017, only 14% of
to safe and nutritious food all year round. men and 22% of women consumed at least the recommended
2.2  No significant malnutrition exists in Finland; conversely, half a kilogram of fruits, berries and vegetables per day. The
the proportion of overweight people is growing. recommended intake of salt and saturated fat was exceeded by
2.3  Finland has ensured everyone’s right to land and other nine out of ten adults.
productive resources and inputs. Everyone in Finland has Finland has succeeded in ensuring food security, while
freedom to engage in commercial activity. malnutrition is not an issue. Free school meals and other
2.4  Finland aims to develop a sustainable food system, subsidised mass catering secure nutrition and even out socio-
which is pursued through the European Union’s common economic disparities. The comprehensive health clinic system
agricultural policy and a national toolkit. makes it possible to address problems at an early stage.
2.5  Finland has safeguarded the genetic diversity of Key measures to improve environmental sustainability
agricultural production inputs and farmed animals as in agricultural production are included in the EU common
part of EU law and national legislation in keeping with agricultural policy. The measures have aimed to reduce
international treaties. environmental nutrient pollution; maintain biodiversity;
improve air quality; mitigate and promote adaptation to climate
change; and maintain good soil condition. A major challenge
relating to the sustainability of agriculture is low profitability,
IN FINLAND, there is little malnutrition, whereas obesity is which has been tackled by seeking appropriate measures.
prevalent. National challenges are related to dietary quality. A more permanent solution can only be found through
People in general consume too much energy, salt and agricultural productivity improvements, increasing market
saturated fat and not enough fruits, vegetables or wholegrain prices and moderate cost developments.
cereals, while men in particular eat too much red meat and As for global responsibility, promotion of food security is
meat products. Sustainability has been included in Finnish part of development policy. Finland supports the development
nutrition recommendations since 2014. In recent years, the of sustainable agricultural production and food value chains,
recommendations have been updated and healthy nutrition land management and organisation of small-scale farmers, in
has been promoted by influencing mass catering. particular. During the previous government term, Finland sup-
Specific challenges for Finland include obesity and ported about 900 000 food producers through bilateral and CSO
dietary quality. In 2017, the majority of adults were at least projects, improving food security for over four million people.
slightly overweight while 26.1% of men and 27.5% of women
aged over 30 were obese (with body mass index of 30 kg/m2
or over). Almost one in two adults (46%) is also abdominally Key national policy initiatives in 2015–2020
obese. The problem is already evident in children: in 2018, 4% In 2017, the Government published its report on food policy,
of girls and 8% of boys aged 2–16 were obese. There is room for entitled Food2030, and launched its measures. The meal
recommendations for early childhood education and care
(2018), schools (2017) and the upper secondary level (2019)
have strengthened the opportunities of children and young
people for healthy nutrition. Nutrition recommendations for the
elderly are to be completed in 2020. Sustainability is part of all
Percentage of obese persons (BMI over 30), % recommendations. Healthy nutrition has also been supported
through key government projects and project funding. Some
40 % schools launched a system to distribute fruits and vegetables
30 % in 2017. As a result of the 2019 Government Programme, the
excise duty on sugary soft drinks was increased, a ‘climate food’
20 %
programme is getting started, and the knowledge base on
10 % children’s and young people’s nutrition will be improved.
0% The EU common agricultural policy for 2014–2020 includes
2–6 7–12 13–16 18–29 30–39 40–49 50–59 60–69 70–79 80+ many measures to promote the overall sustainability of
men women agriculture and rural areas.

6
End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition
and promote sustainable agriculture

Civil society’s assessment

TREND: NEUTRAL

FINLAND’S CHALLENGE is the deprivation of some people, Food assistance structures have been clarified and there is
which also involves hunger or food shortages, but there is very now better awareness of how to administer food assistance.
little data or statistics on the need for support. The circular economy aspect and acceptance of reducing food
According to Eurostat, in 2018 the price of food in Finland waste have had a positive impact on food assistance. Food
was almost 20 per cent higher than in other EU countries. assistance is provided through a chain with a growing number
Despite this, Finland has not used tax policy to support access of actors. Municipalities, civil society organizations, churches
to food. It would be possible to influence the price structure and grocery stores are often involved.
of food in such a way that would allow producers to gain a Since 2016, Parliament has granted government subsidies
sufficient livelihood from sales while consumers could afford to to third sector operators providing food assistance. In 2019
buy nutritious and healthy food. subsidies were also granted for developing long-lasting food
Food security could be promoted both nationally and assistance solutions in addition to urgent food assistance.
globally to ensure an even-handed improvement in general
wellbeing while also ensuring natural biodiversity and climate
sustainability. Globally, malnutrition and hunger particularly Finland must
affect food producers and agricultural workers. It would be • acquire research data on how many Finns need food
possible for Finland to better promote global food security assistance and how the assistance is best provided to avoid
by investing in the development of food systems in its emergency relief from becoming a permanent fixture
development policy. In 2016–2019, however, Finland cut its • develop structural solutions, such as reforming basic social
development cooperation and research finance, and the finance protection and restraining living costs, to reduce poverty as a
of themes affecting food security has received little attention. whole
There has not been much fluctuation in agricultural • grant public funding for continuing and developing food
greenhouse gas emissions from one year to another; in 2018 assistance measures
they made up 11 per cent of Finland’s overall emissions. • ensure through tax policy measures that the food price
Methane emissions from dairy production, for example, have structure guarantees producers a sufficient livelihood while
been reduced in the past 50 years. Yet, much remains to be making sure consumers can afford to buy nutritious and
done in terms of reducing overall food production emissions if healthy food
Finland is to achieve carbon neutrality in 2035. • enact a law that would help reduce food waste throughout
On arable sector the yield levels of cereal crops have not the food chain
increased in the 2000s. Reasons for this include the poor • increase development finance focusing on food security and
profitability of food production, the fact that a large share of support cross-sector and multi-actor cooperation
the total cultivated area is leased land where the duration of • contribute to making CAP 2021–27 supportive of climate-
leases is short. Thus, it has not been possible to properly care resilient agriculture that boosts biodiversity and also takes
and conserve soil fertility. A positive aspect is that the use into account water protection goals.
of industrial commercial fertilisers has decreased, and efforts
have been made in the recycling of nutrients and the purity Organisations participating in this assessment: Fida
of recycled nutrients. The decrease in nutrient volumes can International, Finnish Development NGOs Fingo, Food and
be seen as a decline of nitrogen and phosphorus in nutrient Forest Development Finland (FFD), Church Resources Agency,
balances over the past 30 years. Central Union of Agricultural Producers and Forest Owners
Finland has succeeded at national level in diversifying food (MTK), the Finnish Blue Ribbon, International Solidarity
assistance and making it more humane while also improving Foundation, the Finnish National Organisation of the
access to it. There has also been a shift in attitudes, so that those Unemployed, ViaDia
receiving food assistance feel less stigmatised.

7
 Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages

Government’s assessment
3.1  Finland’s maternal mortality ratio is below the mortality, and suicides. Mental health problems are a growing
target set. public health challenge. Obesity became a key public health
3.2  In Finland, mortality among newborns and children under challenge among both men and women between 2012 and
5 years of age is at a very low level and declining. 2017.
3.3  No epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis or malaria exist in Finland’s challenge is that problems with health, safety
Finland and the spread of hepatitis, communicable and wellbeing only tend to accumulate for some individuals.
diseases has been prevented. Bringing down the overall burden of premature mortality
3.4  Finland has succeeded in reducing premature mortality would require the capacity to also influence other causes of
from non-communicable diseases while also promoting death (external causes, alcohol-related mortality, and suicides).
mental health and wellbeing. Special attention should be paid to narrowing the differences in
3.5  Alcohol use has particularly declined among young mortality between socio-economic groups.
people in Finland. The number of drug-related deaths has In addition, Finland has challenges with access to services,
increased. which is manifested in terms such as regional differences in
3.6  The number of deaths from road traffic accidents has availability and waiting times. The reforms of health and social
declined, but not halved yet. The numbers of injuries services and social security are among the key national policy
reported to the police have decreased. initiatives, which are being prepared and implemented in
3.7  Ensuring universal access to sexual and reproductive different areas and at different levels.
healthcare services by 2030 is not yet reached, but Global responsibility. Finland is very active in operations
the situation is reasonable. An ongoing pilot project of under the World Health Organisation (WHO) and supports
provides contraception free of charge for people under strengthening the European Union’s role in the field of
the age of 25. global health. Among other things, Finland supports the
3.8  Finland provides health and social services and social implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on
security with universal coverage. The reform aims to Tobacco Control in all countries as required.
improve the quality and availability of primary services. Finland supports the research and development of vaccines
Access to medicines and vaccines is ensured for the whole and medicines for communicable and non-communicable
population. diseases that primarily affect developing countries. We also
3.9  There are very few deaths and illnesses from hazardous endorse the Doha Declaration on the WTO Agreement on
chemicals or air, water and soil pollution or contamination Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS
in Finland. Agreement). The agreement guarantees access to affordable
essential medicines and vaccines and affirms the right of
developing countries to use to the full the flexibilities included
in trade agreements on intellectual property rights. Finland
FINLAND HAS SUCCEEDED in guaranteeing high-quality works actively to ensure that all countries have the capacity for
public health care for the entire population. Access to primary early warning, risk reduction and management of national and
health care and specialized medical care is guaranteed global health risks.
regardless of the patient's or client's ability to pay. Finland has
managed to reduce significantly pre-mortem deaths caused by
non-communicable diseases through efficient prevention and Key national policy initiatives
treatment. Over the 2017–2018 period, Finland implemented a package of
Finland has successfully increased awareness of mental key government projects, including the key projects to promote
health promotion and mental disorders and reached a broad career opportunities for people with partial work ability and to
consensus on the measures to launch, while also preparing foster health and wellbeing and reduce inequalities, the reform
a National Mental Health Strategy for 2020–2030. Suicide of home care and informal care, and the programme to address
mortality is declining in Finland. Finland has successfully reform in child and family services. The previous Government
reduced smoking, especially among younger age groups. prepared an administrative reform of health and social services,
A specific challenge for Finland is to bring down the which is still ongoing. The reforms address the shortcomings
numbers of other causes of premature mortality, including and new challenges identified in the benefit and service
accidental and violent causes of death, alcohol-related systems.

8
Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages

Civil society’s assessment

TREND: NEGATIVE

FINLAND’S CHALLENGE IS that funding for global health highlighted the rights of the disabled as an overarching theme
efforts has decreased in the past few years although health of development policy and finances the UN Partnership to
has traditionally been a key focus for Finland. It is particularly Promote the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which is mainly
alarming that Finland no longer funds the UN Programme on executed by non-governmental organisations, particularly
HIV/AIDS, UNAIDS. Finland has special expertise in health-care disabled people’s organisations.
development, and development cooperation in the health The Programme of Prime Minister Sanna Marin’s Government
sector is proven to have an impact. Global health competence is highlights the narrowing of health and well-being gaps through
also a safeguard as Finland prepares for global health threats. high-quality health and social services as one of its goals, while
Finland’s health service system is among the least equitable highlighting preventive health policy and health-promoting
in Europe. There are significant inequalities in health and well- taxation. The Programme pledges to secure necessary care and
being. The uneven geographical distribution of health care treatment also for all undocumented migrants. If enacted in
resources reinforces inequality in access to care. There have law, this would be a significant step in realising a fundamental
been attempts to reform the service structures during several human right.
government terms but these attempts have been unsuccessful. The Programme also proposes to trial free contraception
The number of elderly people in Finland continues to for everyone under the age of 25, which is significant for the
increase, with the number set to reach 1.5 million in 2030. There sexual health and equality of young people. The Tobacco Act
are not enough measures promoting health and well-being has reinforced the policy on tobacco and created nicotine-
targeted at older persons. free living environments. Smoking has decreased throughout
The investment in sexual health in Finland decreased. The the population, especially among young people. Finland
only government authority that coordinated the promotion has published a national mental health strategy and suicide
of sexual and reproductive health, the Seli unit of the Finnish prevention programme for 2020–2030 and launched the
Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), was abolished. preparation of a child strategy that will extend beyond one
The Finnish Medical Society Duodecim and medical government term of office.
specialist societies produce evidence-based current care
guidelines on significant diseases with an impact on national
health and on their prevention, treatment and rehabilitation. Finland must
Due to declining funding, they can no longer produce new • invest in implementing the Government Programme so that
guidelines or maintain all current ones. it can secure equal health and social services for everyone
The Alcohol Act of 2017 increased the availability of alcohol. • make global health a development policy priority and
Alcohol-related causes explain one fifth of differences in restore the level of funding to what it was before the
mortality by social group among Finnish men and one sixth spending cuts
among Finnish women. Medicine shortages have drastically • promote access to health services especially among those in
increased over the past ten years and they have partially vulnerable situations both in Finland and globally.
led to extended supply shortages of some vitally important
medicines. Households’ share of health-care expenses is greater Organisations participating in this assessment: Finnish
in Finland than in other Nordic countries or in the EU on Development NGOs Fingo, EHYT Finnish Association for
average. In Finland, psychotherapies and other psycho-social Substance Abuse Prevention, the Finnish Association of People
treatment methods are part of the public sector health services, with Physical Disabilities, Physicians for Social Responsibility
but their availability is poor. – Finland, MIELI – Mental Health Finland, SOSTE Finnish
Finland has succeeded in highlighting sexual and Federation for Social Affairs and Health and the Family
reproductive health in its development policy and in actively Federation of Finland.
defending them and the associated rights in the EU. Finland has

9
 Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote
lifelong learning opportunities for all

Government’s assessment
4.1 Finland has achieved the targets for completion of primary differences between pupils have increased. The impact of socio-
and secondary education. economic background on an individual’s learning outcomes has
4.2 The right to early childhood education and care will be grown.
extended to cover all children equally. Finland has succeeded in increasing the proportion of
4.3 The reform of vocational education and training people aged 25 to 64 who have completed at least basic
has increased flexibility in terms of access and (primary and lower secondary) education by two percentage
completion. points to 82.5% during the 2010s. The proportion of those who
4.4 Increasing attention is being paid to continuing have completed at least a vocational qualification increased
learning. by about four percentage points to 78.8% while the increase
4.5 Gender disparities in learning outcomes are still for those with higher education degrees was about 6.5 points,
considerable in Finland. reaching 28%. Participation in adult education is at a high level:
4.6 Literacy is world-class, but the level of skills has declined in about 50% of people aged 25 to 65 take part in education in
both numeracy and literacy. Finland. Adult education participation rates have decreased
4.7 Sustainable development permeates all levels of education slightly from the peak year of 2012.
from early childhood education and care through As for global responsibility, Finland has contributed to
the secondary level (including vocational education helping thousands of children and young people to learn by
and training) and it is also included in the agreement supporting the development of education systems in several
negotiations between the Government and higher African and Asian countries. Learning opportunities have also
education institutions. been supported in fragile states and conflict areas.

Key national policy initiatives in 2015–2020

THE LEVEL OF EDUCATION in Finland is high. Over the • The new National Core Curricula and their deployment have
2010s and the last few years, however, the level of educational resulted in building up a phenomenon-based approach in all
attainment among younger age groups has not continued to subjects.
rise. Finland guarantees all citizens high-quality education free • A vocational education and training forum has increased
of charge from pre-primary to higher education. student orientation, workplace relevance and flexibility.
Finland’s challenge is the recent decline in the traditionally • The revised Act on Early Childhood Education and Care
strong reading literacy. In Finland, the skills gap between girls restores the equal right to early childhood education and
and boys is the largest of all OECD countries. While differences care to all children.
between schools have traditionally been small in Finland,

PISA literacy 2000–2018 Participation in adult education, %

20 % 100 %

15 % 80 %
10 % 60 %
5% 40 % 54 52 52
48 48
0% 20 %
2000 2009 2015 2018
0%
Below level 2: Above level 5: 1995 2000 2006 2012 2017
low performers top performers

10
Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote
lifelong learning opportunities for all

Civil society’s assessment

TREND: POSITIVE

FINLAND’S CHALLENGE IS that despite emphasis on active global citizenship, and value systems feature values
education in development cooperation, the multi-stakeholder that promote a sustainable future. In the public funding for
cooperation is not working well enough and despite the continuing professional development of teachers, the
dialogue, the various parties are operating in silos. Finland is sustainable development perspective has been emphasised.
eagerly exporting its expertise and wishes to strengthen the The premises of the new Youth Act also include principles that
relationship between education export and development point the way to active global citizenship.
cooperation. This relationship is not clear, though, and its The objectives of free upper secondary education and
priorities and premises should be clarified. Ethical ground rules raising the compulsory school age stated in the Government
should be put in place in the discussion on export of education. Programme promote equal opportunity to attain at least an
The elegant phrases on sustainable development in the upper secondary level qualification and provide students with
new early childhood education and national core curricula are sufficient educational skills for higher education. The changes
put at risk as the workload of teaching staff and expectations enable an increase in educational level and employment.
increase. Attaining the education target both in Finland and Alongside these, it is important to maintain existing success
globally requires a high level of education among teachers, factors, such as sufficient student counselling and opportunity
safe and sound working conditions and appropriate pay. This for flexible study paths and continuous learning.
has not been taken into account sufficiently in development
cooperation.
In Finland a key issue requiring improvement is equality in Finland must
education. Parental education level and socio-economic status • in all the educational cooperation that it finances, require
are strongly associated with children’s school achievement and the improvement of educational opportunities of those in a
continued interest in studying. In educational achievement disadvantaged situation and enhancement of the quality of
between genders, girls have a clear advantage, and young teaching
people with disabilities experience discrimination and • systematically work to promote equality in education in
inequality. Regional equality has also been endangered as Finland and globally
education is increasingly concentrated in larger units and • bring into focus global civic skills and competencies for
population centres. sustainable development also in adult education, and
There is fairly limited selection of adult-education reinforce non-formal and informal learning opportunities
opportunities promoting competencies for sustainable side by side with formal training
development and global civic skills, although these • pay attention to regional differences, teacher resources and
competencies are sorely needed amidst the structural changes support for pupils to secure access to high-quality education
in society. Opportunities for continuous learning should be throughout the country.
developed both in Finland and globally.
Finland has succeeded in responding to the globally Organisations participating in this assessment: Finnish
acknowledged crisis of learning and has actively striven to Development NGOs Fingo, the Finnish Association of People
have an outsized role in finding solutions. Education is one with Physical Disabilities, The Central Organisation of Finnish
of the priorities in Finland’s development cooperation. Equal, Trade Unions, Central Union of Agricultural Producers and
high-quality education is actively addressed in bilateral and in Forest Owners MTK, Open Knowledge Finland, National Union
multilateral development cooperation as well as in CSO work. of University Students in Finland, Plan International Finland,
In Finland, sustainable development and global civic SOSTE Finnish Federation for Social Affairs and Health, The Trade
skills feature prominently in the national curricula and in Union of Education in Finland OAJ, Felm, Finnish Committee for
qualifications from early childhood education to primary UNICEF.
and secondary education. Transversal competences support

11
 Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls

Government’s assessment
5.1 The gender equality situation is good in Finland, but there shrinking slowly, currently standing at 16%. The labour market
are still some challenges. is highly segregated and fathers only take about 10% of family
5.2 Finland is the second most violent EU country for women, leave time.
but there are plenty of ongoing measures focused on Finland has succeeded in increasing services intended
prevention and service improvement. for victims of violence against women and domestic violence.
5.3 While legislation relevant to harmful practices has been Other positive developments include growing skills in gender
developed, plenty of challenges still remain. equality promotion and the stronger role of equality promotion
5.4 The equality-oriented family leave reform is making in some branches of government. Government Proposals
progress and the social security reform is expected to incorporated a slightly higher number of gender impact
incorporate a gender perspective. assessments when compared with previous years. Gender-
5.5 While gender equality is effective in political aware budgeting was developed in a project led by the Ministry
participation, there are challenges with economic of Finance.
decision-making. Implementing global responsibility: Finland’s foreign and
5.6 Services relevant to sexual and reproductive rights and security policy is based on human rights. Its key objective is to
health are at a good level. There are ongoing measures systematically promote gender equality and full realisation of
to develop these further as well as to increase sexual the human rights of girls and women. Finland places particular
education with focus on autonomy. emphasis on sexual and reproductive health and rights, which
are currently being challenged on a global scale, including
within the European Union. Likewise, strengthening the role of
women in mediation processes as part of the implementation
FINLAND’S GENDER EQUALITY situation is good. General of the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 is among Finland’s
progress in equality can be examined in a longer perspective long-standing priorities. Finland is also paying attention
by means of various international gender equality rankings. to emerging themes, such as the equality impacts of new
The most recent rankings include the Gender Equality Index technologies and innovations.
of the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) and the
Global Gender Gap Index of the World Economic Forum. In the
EIGE Gender Equality Index of 2019, Finland received the fourth Key national policy initiatives in 2015–2020
highest score within the European Union. The score remained • Funding for shelters for domestic violence victims was raised
more or less the same when compared with 2017. While the considerably, by a total of 70% over the period from 2016 to
World Economic Forum’s 2018 ranking still places Finland 2019.
among the top countries, it slipped from third to fourth place • A 24/7 helpline was opened for victims of violence and their
from 2006. This was due to reasons such as the faster gender loved ones.
equality progress made in other top-ranking countries. • A low-threshold service was opened for sexual assault
Finland’s challenges include violence against women and victims.
domestic violence, as well as gender equality issues in the • A prohibition on discrimination based on gender identity
world of work. Finland is the second most violent country for and expression was included in the Act on Equality between
women within the European Union. The gender pay gap is Women and Men.

12
Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls

Civil society’s assessment

TREND: NEUTRAL

FINLAND’S CHALLENGE IS that the drastic cuts to Finland prepared its third national action plan for the
development cooperation funding brought a 40 per cent implementation of the UN Security Council resolution 1325
reduction to funding directed at the priority focussing on in 2018−2021. Following the ratification of the Istanbul
women’s and girls’ rights. The goals and impact of this priority Convention in 2015, services available for victims of violence
have remained unclear, and gender equality has not received have been increased. In 2019, the Act on Child Custody and
the promised cross-cutting attention in development policy. Right of Access took effect, all underage marriages were banned
The implementation of the UN Security Council resolution and the penal scale for sexual offenders violating children was
1325 on Women, Peace and Security is hampered by insufficient adjusted to make punishments more severe. The references to
human resources both in the public sector and in CSOs, and the “man” and “woman” were removed from the Marriage Act.
mainstreaming of implementation is not sufficiently realised. The political participation of women has increased. In the
As many as 47 per cent of Finnish women have experienced 2019 Parliamentary election, a record number of women were
physical and/or sexual violence, and disabled women and elected as Members of Parliament, 46 per cent of all MPs. The
immigrant women experience violence 2 to 3 times as Government has a female majority, and Finland has its first
frequently as other women. female European Commissioner.
The revision of the Act on Legal Recognition of the Gender
of Transsexuals to comply with fundamental human rights
is in the making. The financing of women’s shelters and the Finland must
number of places in them is insufficient considering the need • prepare a gender equality strategy for foreign policy that
and recommendations. Human trafficking related to sexual covers the entire state administration and allocate relevant
exploitation is poorly recognised in Finland. Sufficient resources resources for it
have not been secured to implement the programme against • increase development cooperation funds so that women’s
female genital mutilation, the criminalisation of forced marriage rights can be sufficiently promoted globally and ensure that
cannot be enforced, and child marriages contracted abroad 85 per cent of new projects promote gender equality as the
have not been criminalised. primary target or as a significant secondary target
Educational and professional fields are largely segregated • address structural intersectional discrimination, safeguard
by gender, and the gender pay gap has narrowed slowly. A the rights of women in a precarious situation
woman’s euro is 84 cents – and an immigrant woman’s 62 cents. • promote equality at work through pay transparency and
Women’s employment rate is lower than that of men, and they equal pay, and with regard to pregnancy discrimination and
work part-time and under fixed-term contracts more often than family leaves
men. Unpaid care is unequally divided between the genders. • introduce gender impact assessment and gender-aware
Mothers with low education level and no job to return to stay budgeting as permanent features of state and municipal
longest on child home care allowance. In 2015–2019 the focus administration
in elderly care was shifted from institutional care to care at • implement the Istanbul Convention in full; violence against
home with family members as caregivers. Two out of three full- women is Finland’s most extensive human rights issue
time family caregivers are women.
Finland successfully made the rights and status of women Organisations participating in this assessment: National
and girls a development policy priority in 2016, and views Council of Women of Finland, Coalition of Finnish Women’s
sexual and reproductive health and rights as important themes. Associations NYTKIS, Plan International Finland, Finnish
Finland has actively defended these rights internationally and Development NGOs Fingo, Central Organisation of Finnish Trade
included promoting SRHR as one of the key themes of the new Unions SAK, Felm, UN Women Finland, the Family Federation of
guidelines on humanitarian assistance in 2019. Finland.

13
 Ensure availability and sustainable management
of water and sanitation for all

Government’s assessment
6.1–6.2 Finland has reached the targets for achieving universal operations of international organisations.
and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water Finland’s challenges include achieving the targets set for
for all and access to adequate and equitable sanitation for the status of seas and waters and adequately reducing water
all. pollution from certain industries, such as agriculture and
6.3 Progress has been made with regard to improving forestry. This is reflected in the poor status of several water
water quality by reducing pollution, but some of the bodies in Western and Southern Finland and Baltic Sea coasts.
water bodies and groundwaters are yet to achieve good Conversely, Finland has succeeded in water protection,
ecological status. albeit most developments have already been in place for some
6.4 While slight positive progress has occurred in terms of time. A holistic approach to water resources management
water-use efficiency, water recycling still leaves room for and water protection has long provided the foundation for
improvement. operations and has further improved with new legislation.
6.5 With regard to integrated water resources management, While Finland’s water supply and tap water quality are at world-
good progress has been made in the water management class level, investments must be made in the management of
plans and in implementing measures included in the risks, water supply infrastructure and stormwater runoff in order
plans. Cooperation with neighbouring countries in to secure reliability and quality for years to come.
transboundary waters is exemplary. As for global responsibility, Finland is especially renowned
6.6 While progress has been made in protecting water- for advancing cooperation in transboundary waters and
related ecosystems, some additional effort is still required, water diplomacy and as a promoter of drinking water supply,
depending on areas. sanitation and hygiene in several developing countries,
6.a In terms of international cooperation, Finland has including Ethiopia and Nepal. In Finland, about half of water
been punching above its weight in both international footprint of consumption comes from abroad and part of
organisations and developing countries. Finnish companies operate in the regions that may suffer from
6.b Progress has also been made in engaging local scarcity of water resources. These risks have to be considered.
communities in the activities through extensive
development cooperation projects in Ethiopia and Nepal,
for example. Key national policy initiatives in 2015–2020
• New water, marine and flood risk management plans, their
objectives and measures as well as their implementation.
• The International Water Strategy of Finland for 2018–2030
WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT and water protection striving towards responsible and equitable water security
are at a high level in Finland. Water has also played a key role and its yearly updated Action Plan including concrete
in Finland’s development cooperation and participation in the policies and actions.

14
Ensure availability and sustainable management
of water and sanitation for all

Civil society’s assessment

TREND: POSITIVE

FINLAND’S CHALLENGE IS the ageing of the water and Five ministries (Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Ministry of
sewage networks. It has been estimated that EUR 200 to 300 Agriculture and Forestry, Ministry of the Environment, Ministry
million per year should be invested in their renovation rather of Economic Affairs and Employment and Ministry of Social
than the current EUR 100 million. Affairs and Health) in 2018 prepared a joint international water
In some groundwater areas, concentrations of harmful strategy, the implementation of which will be planned and
substances have been detected, and water quality may reported on an annual basis. In 2019, Finland updated the
deteriorate without protection measures. In Finland, national goals for the Protocol on Water and Health up to 2030.
recipient bodies of water receive untreated wastewater The goals must be achieved or maintained to prevent illnesses
under exceptional circumstances, even though the law states caused by water.
that treatment stations must comply with their treatment The water protection enhancement programme 2019–2023
obligations even in these circumstances. In some areas, launched by the Ministry of the Environment strives to make
insufficient domestic wastewater treatment may cause risks to Finland the leading water conservation nation in the world, by
drinking water. reducing nutrients and harmful emissions, by rehabilitating
It is a concern that Finland’s development policy watercourses and by increasing research and development
prioritisation of water and sanitation is not evident in practice. efforts.
Development cooperation allocations for these purposes have Since 2016, water and sanitation have been included in
fallen from USD 33 million (2013) to around USD 4.5 million one of Finland’s development policy priorities (food security,
(2017), and payments from EUR 130 million (2016) to just over 2 access to natural resources and energy). Another priority, the
million (2018). strengthening of women’s and girls’ rights, is also evident in
Finland has succeeded in making water supply and many water, sanitation and hygiene sector projects. Finland has
sewerage systems available to nearly 100 per cent of the understood the significance of water and sanitation in attaining
population. Around 90 per cent of households get their sustainable development goals in other sectors as well.
domestic water from a centralised water supply system and An innovative operating model has been developed in the
around 85 per cent of the population is covered by municipal water development cooperation projects funded by Finland
sewerage and centralised wastewater treatment. The quality in the 2000s, and this model has yielded good results. In the
of domestic water provided by the centralised water supply model, local communities, schools and health-care centres
system is very good. Approximately 65 per cent of domestic apply for funding to build their own water point or toilet,
water is groundwater. Finland has around 3 900 groundwater and take charge of the construction, acquisitions for and
areas that are significant for water supply, and most of these are administration of their own water supply.
in a good condition.
In recent years, Finland has further increased the safety of
water use. As an example, in 2017 plants supplying domestic Finland should
water were obligated to conduct a risk assessment, the • reduce agricultural nutrient releases
Environmental Protection Act was amended and a Government • consider water and sanitation issues in climate change
Decree on Treating Domestic Wastewater in Areas Outside preparations
Sewer Networks (rural areas wastewater decree) and a new • consider climate change impacts in water supply-related
construction decree including provisions on the accessibility of development cooperation
toilet and washing facilities were issued. The transition period • be more active in sharing its experiences and competence
of the rural areas wastewater decree expired in 2019. Guidance globally on water supply and sanitation legislation and
and counselling increased general awareness of the importance practice.
of appropriate wastewater treatment. Guidance was also
beneficial to owners of holiday cabins and cottages. Organisations participating in this assessment: Finnish
Development NGOs Fingo, Global Dry Toilet Association of
Finland, WaterAid

15
 Ensure access to affordable, reliable,
sustainable and modern energy for all

Government’s assessment
7.1 Finland has achieved the target of ensuring universal lowest in Europe, while consumer prices are clearly below the
access to energy. European average.
7.2 Finland has succeeded in increasing the share of In energy savings: Finland’s overall target for energy savings
renewable energy. during the 2014–2020 period was 49 TWhcum, calculated in
7.3 Finland has reached the energy efficiency target. terms of cumulative energy savings according to Article 7 of
the Energy Efficiency Directive (2012/27/EU). Finland already
reached this target via the measures carried out between
2014 and 2016. As a measure affecting all sectors, energy
FINLAND ENSURES universal access to affordable and efficiency (7.3) plays a significant role in reducing greenhouse
clean energy. About four fifths of Finland’s renewable energy gas emissions while also forming an essential part of resource
is bioenergy, most of which is based on side streams from efficiency.
the forestry industry and forest management. Hydropower
accounts for 10% of all renewable energy. During recent years,
there has been growth in the use of energy generated by Key policy initiatives
wind power and heat pumps as well as transport biofuels, in • Key measures to promote renewable energy (7.2): feed-in
particular. tariff scheme; production aid scheme for forest chips;
Finland has succeeded: In increasing the share of renewable investment subsidy for energy production; quota obligation
energy, which already accounted for 41% of final consumption for biofuels; ban on the use of black coal for energy, effective
in 2018. Finland’s target for renewable energy (7.2) is to account as of 1 May 2029; and raising the biofuel quota obligation in
for at least 51% of final energy consumption by 2030. Wood road transport to 30% in 2030.
fuels are Finland’s most significant sources of energy. • Energy efficiency (7.3) is promoted by means of energy
In ensuring universal access to affordable and clean energy efficiency agreements and energy audits covering all energy-
(7.1) through a well-functioning energy market and regulation consuming sectors, regulations for construction sector, and
to safeguard the position of consumers. Electricity prices in EU-wide eco-design and energy label legislation.
Finland are relatively low by European standards. According • Finland also supports and encourages households to invest
to Eurostatistics, Industrial electricity prices are among the in renewable energy sources and improve energy efficiency
(7.3).

Historical trends in renewable energy in 2000–2017 and Global responsibility

estimated trends until 2030 Through scaling up new technologies and innovations, Finland
contributes to promoting a global change required to transition
TWh into a clean and affordable energy and energy system. The
180 development and export of new technologies are supported by
160 Business Finland and VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland
140 (7.a). As for global responsibility, Finland especially supports
120 increasing basic access to energy for the poorest households
100 and a low-carbon and climate-resilient transition in developing
80
countries and emerging economies through its development
60
policy and cooperation (7.b). Since 2010, Finland, Austria and
40
the Nordic Development Fund have financed the Energy and
20
0 Environment Partnership operating in 15 Southern and East-
2000 2010 2020 2030 African countries. The goal is to increase access to energy for the
most vulnerable populations. As a result, over 5 million people
Hydropower Ambient heat now have access to cleaner energy, 10 000 jobs have been
Bioenergy Solar energy
created and climate change mitigated by reducing 1,6 million
Wind power
tons of carbon emissions.

16
Ensure access to affordable, reliable,
sustainable and modern energy for all

Civil society’s assessment

TREND: NEGATIVE

FINLAND’S CHALLENGE IS that our per capita energy Finland has succeeded in increasing its renewable
consumption is among the highest in the world. This cannot be energy production significantly over the past few decades.
deemed sustainable. Total energy consumption in Finland was Both technological advancement and policy measures have
1.38 million terajoules in 2018, and this still consists 40 per cent contributed to this. In 2018, renewable energy sources covered
of fossil fuels. nearly 37 per cent of total energy consumption and 41 per cent
The transition to sustainable energy use is being hampered of end use in Finland.
by the fact that renewable energy subsidies are not allocated In addition, Finland has outlined policies and implemented
on the basis of greenhouse gas impacts. Biofuels are political measures to promote the use of renewable energy. For
disproportionally subsidised, especially considering that wood- example, an act prohibiting the use of coal for energy in 2029
based fuels are not carbon neutral. At the same time, fossil entered into force in spring 2019.
fuels receive higher subsidies than renewable energy, around There is practically no energy poverty in Finland.
EUR 1 billion a year. In addition, Finland’s energy subsidies
have fluctuated due to policy changes as Governments have
changed, which interferes with consistent renewable energy Finland must
development. • considerably reduce its overall energy consumption: this
In Finland, wood-based fuels are the most significant requires economic steering, abolishment of subsidies for
renewable energy source, with a 27 per cent share of total fossil energy sources and increases in taxation, as well as
energy consumption. Increased bioenergy consumption is one incentives for improving energy efficiency and energy saving
reason why the felling of forests has increased over the past few • stop the use of all fossil fuels in energy production as soon as
years – thus reducing Finland’s carbon sinks and affecting the possible, including peat
biodiversity of forest habitats. • reform its energy subsidies based on research and in a way
From a sustainability perspective it is problematic that 17 that is consistent with climate policy
per cent of Finland’s total energy consumption is covered by • set sustainability criteria for renewable energy that ensure
nuclear power. The total emissions of the production chain climate benefit and avoidance of other environmental
of nuclear power are not low, and it is not a risk-free and damage
environmentally sound form of energy. • ensure that investment in bioenergy production does not
Around 6 per cent of Finland’s energy is produced with risk carbon sinks or the biodiversity of forests
peat, but it accounts for some 12 per cent of Finland’s global- • ensure that no fossil energy projects are funded with
warming emissions. development cooperation funds.
From a sustainable development perspective it is important
that Finland promotes a sustainable and responsible energy Organisations participating in this assessment: Attac
policy also internationally and at the EU level. In development Finland, the Finnish Association for Nature Conservation,
cooperation it is important to ensure that aid is not directed at Finnish Development NGOs Fingo, The Siemenpuu Foundation,
unsustainable energy projects. Technology for Life

17
 Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth,
full and productive employment and decent work for all

Government’s assessment
8.1 Finland’s economic growth is at a moderate level of about Finland has succeeded in reducing the number of those
1.1%. not in employment, education or training (NEETs) and creating
8.2 Productivity development has declined but remains a network of services providing low-threshold services.
stable. Finland was the fourth country in the world to publish its
8.3 Finland promotes entrepreneurship and sustainable National Action Plan on the UN Guiding Principles on Business
business growth. and Human Rights. Many Finnish businesses are pioneers in
8.4 Finland promotes resource efficiency by means of the human rights issues, placing well in international sustainability
circular economy. rankings. Finland has successfully implemented the UNGPs in
8.5 The Finnish Government aims to raise the employment an inclusive manner that has moved practical activities forward
rate to 75%. at national, EU and international levels.
8.6 Finland has successfully reduced the number As for global responsibility, Finland is actively involved
of NEETs. in promoting the European Youth Guarantee and sharing
8.7– 8.8 Finland implements ILO provisions in its employment experiences on how to deal with youth unemployment. Finland
legislation, which applies equally to all workers. plays an active role in international efforts to promote RBC. Its
8.9 Finland has succeeded in promoting sustainable advocacy efforts culminated in the Business and Human Rights
tourism. Conference it organised during the Finnish Presidency of the
Council of the EU. The conference aimed to strengthen the EU’s
efforts in RBC by means such as proposing an EU Agenda for
Action on Business and Human Rights.
FINLAND HAS a Youth Guarantee in place. All young people
aged under 25 and all graduates under 30 years of age will
be guaranteed a job or work trial, traineeship, workshop, Key national policy initiatives in 2015–2020
apprenticeship or rehabilitation placement no later than three • The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment is
months into the period of unemployment. (8.5, 8.6) continuing to build up and develop the One-Stop Guidance
With regard to responsible business conduct (RBC), Finland Centres for young people in cooperation with local
has a strong expectation that enterprises operate responsibly authorities.
and provide decent work. (8.5, 8.7, 8.8) • Finland is commissioning a study on mandatory due
Finland’s challenge is that, while young people’s diligence and the options for its implementation and a study
employment rate has increased as a result of economic growth, on the human rights impacts of enterprises and on their
the growth is not fully reflected in youth employment. The management by means of the Corporate Human Rights
challenge for RBC has been to monitor the performance of Benchmark methodology during 2020.
Finnish enterprises reliably, especially the global impacts • Finland is likewise continuing human rights training courses
of enterprises. The Finnish labor market is segmented into for enterprises and supporting the implementation of a
women’s and men’s occupations, which contributes to women human rights-based approach in public funding instruments.
earning less than men. • A key government project ‘Career opportunities for people
with partial work ability’ was carried out from 2015 to 2019.

18
Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth,
full and productive employment and decent work for all

Civil society’s assessment

TREND: NEUTRAL

FINLAND’S CHALLENGE IS that the skills-based polarisation Working life issues and the significance of work in poverty
of the labour market has deepened and the significance of alleviation now feature prominently in political debate. The
education for finding work and staying employed has increased. employment of people with disabilities and people with partial
Alas, some groups have increasing difficulties to become work ability has also gained new prominence in labour market
employed, e.g. young people with only a basic qualification, policy.
immigrants and people with disabilities. In promoting decent work, the Government programme’s
The share of the underemployed in the workforce has clearly promise to carry a study as preparation for a binding regulatory
increased since the early 2000s due to the rise of part-time framework on corporate responsibility is an important step
employment. Also, the number of temporary and other atypical forward. At the core of this initiative is a human rights due
forms of employment is increasing. Among people employed in diligence requirements that all Finnish companies should meet
platform economy, for example, pay is low and unstable and job throughout their value chains.
security is non-existent.
The social security system has not been able to keep up
with the transformation of working life. This makes it difficult Finland must
for the self-employed and other casual workers in particular • increase resources for employment services and invest in
to earn a living. The system is considered overtly bureaucratic, personal services and special groups
its services are fragmented and individuals have limited • reform the Employment Contracts Act so that the concepts
opportunities to influence. Personal services have been reduced of contract and employer are re-defined for platform
and furthermore, training and coaching have been outsourced. economy purposes
From the perspective of labour market sustainability, it is • immediately start tripartite preparations of legal
alarming that competence development is concentrated on amendments under the Equal Pay Programme and reserve
those who already have good skills and opportunities. sufficient resources for the programme
The pay gaps between men and women have narrowed • enact an ambitious corporate responsibility legislation with
slowly. The uneven division of care responsibilities and mandatory human rights due diligence, develop an indicator
absences from work still affect women’s career development for corporate responsibility for monitoring sustainable
and pay differentials. development and promote a binding corporate social
Finland has not succeeded in decoupling economic growth responsibility regulation also at the EU and UN
from environmental degradation, as its GDP continues to be • impose human rights and fundamental labour market rights
closely linked to the consumption of raw materials and energy. as a starting point of its development policy, and promote
In other words, as GDP grows, emissions and the consumption the freedom of association, collective negotiations and living
of natural resources increase as well. wage in its development and trade policy
Finland should adopt a more ambitious role in promoting • consistently use well-being and sustainability indicators in
human rights and fundamental rights in the labour market support of decision-making and ensure the ecological and
globally as well. In particular, the human rights impacts of social sustainability of economic development.
business activities supported by development cooperation and
the decency of the jobs created in these activities should be Organisations participating in this assessment: Attac,
evaluated with clear-cut criteria. Changemaker, Felm, Pro Ethical Trade Finland, Finnish
Finland has succeeded in increasing employment since Development NGOs Fingo, The Finnish Association of
2016, largely due to international economic development. At People with Physical Disabilities, The Martha Organization,
the end of 2019, the employment rate was 73.0 per cent, and Fairtrade Finland, International Solidarity Foundation, Finnish
the unemployment rate among women and young people had Confederation of Professionals STTK, The Central Organisation
decreased. of Finnish Trade Unions SAK, The Trade Union Solidarity Centre
of Finland SASK

19
 Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable
industrialization and foster innovation

Government’s assessment
9.1 Finland’s innovation funding has been on a downward Global responsibility: Finland supports industrial sectors to
trend in recent years. The current objective is to improve their sustainability and reduce their climate impacts.
significantly increase investments in research, Finland promotes international scaling of sustainable solutions
development and innovation activities. and innovations. Finland supports the development of
9.2–9.3 Innovation funding is channelled into upgrading sustainable infrastructure, business and technology, as well as
industrial sectors. inclusive and sustainable industrial development in developing
9.4 Finland aims to achieve carbon neutrality countries through development cooperation.
by 2035.

Key national policy initiatives

• The Finnish Government has adopted a target of raising R&D
FINLAND’S SUCCESS and international growth is based on investments from the current level of 2.7% to 4% of GDP
education and training, research and development (R&D), by 2030. For this purpose, a roadmap is being constructed
technological know-how and innovations. This combined with and will be completed in the spring of 2020. (9.5) Achieving
well-functioning basic infrastructure has created prosperity the target requires approximately doubling the public and
and the conditions for socially and environmentally sustainable private R&D investments to EUR 11 million.
growth (9.1, 9.5). Use of more digitalised solutions would • The Government will cooperate with industrial sectors to
improve efficiency and benefit sustainability in production. construct roadmaps to identify development paths to reduce
Finland has a good foundation to enhance the level of the climate emissions of different sectors and enterprises.
digitalisation in industrial sectors but more companies should (9.4)
realise the potential, acquire the skills, and implement the • Governmental innovation programmes run by Business
digital solutions. (9.4). Finland and VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland,
Finland’s challenges: Finland has seen a decline in its sustainable solutions are developed concerning e.g. clean
position at the vanguard of research and innovation activities. energy (SDG7), circular economy (SDG8, SDG12), smart
The levels of funding invested in R&D, both public and industry (SDG9), health and well-being (SDG3), clean
especially private, decreased considerably between 2008 and technologies and low-carbon solutions (SDG13), sustainable
2018. urbanization (SDG11), and digital solutions. Via the
The strengths of Finland’s innovation system include aforementioned programs, innovation support is channelled
a high level of public investment in innovation (compared to the development of sustainable production processes,
internationally), public–private innovation partnerships and a business models, and more climate-friendly products. 40% of
strong start-up culture. The aim is to create environmentally, innovation funding is channelled to promoting climate and
socially and economically sustainable business and growth for low-carbon targets. (9.2, 9.4, 9.5)
Finnish enterprises. Finland’s strengths include a solid know- • With an active and progressive spectrum policy, Finland is
how in the utilisation of bio-based raw materials. The bio-based among the world leaders in the development and use of
materials could benefit the development of sustainability in next-generation mobile networks.
several global value chains.

20
Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable
industrialization and foster innovation
Civil society’s assessment
TREND: NEUTRAL

THE CHALLENGE FOR FINLAND IS that we are a resource- The significance of innovation ecosystems in promoting
intensive economy that consumes a lot of raw materials. In circular economy and resource-wise solutions has been
Finland natural resources generate on average one euro of understood, and Finland already has several functioning circular
economic value per kilogram, whereas the EU average is two economy ecosystems. Industrial material flows are at the heart
euros. However, Finland does use particularly its renewable of a circular economy, but circular economy has also started to
resources, such as forest, in a sustainable way. be featured in consumer business and in urban centres. Urban-
In order to succeed in transitioning to a low-emission rural cooperation also has great significance, for example in the
society, we will need significant changes both in processes as use and production of biogas.
well as material and energy consumption also within trade and The maintenance backlog of transport infrastructure
industry. Currently too many innovations are improvements assets has been significantly cleared over the past few years.
within production sectors; resource efficiency is improving and The backlog has been reduced throughout the country: this
emissions decreasing, but the industries are too slow to reform improves accessibility, transport of people and economic
in terms of consuming operations and value chains. development.
The transition will require investments in research, Finland has supported infrastructures, sustainable industry
development and innovation policy worth billions of and innovation in developing countries, for example using
euros, as well as cooperation between corporations, public programme funding and investments via Finnfund, BEAM-
administration, researchers and the civic society. In the Business with impact, and Finnpartnership. Through bilateral
early 2000s Finland’s RDI policy (research, development and SAIS 1–2 programmes Finland has specifically funded the
innovation) was world class, but the situation has deteriorated innovation ecosystem, training and entrepreneurship in
at an alarming rate: the level of public RDI funding has dropped Southern Africa.
from 3.8 per cent of GDP in 2008 to just 2.71 per cent in 2019.
Industrial sectors and consumer businesses lack consistent
indicators and impact assessment. Funding instruments Finland must
may emphasize just one sustainability area and ignore • link sustainable development impact assessment to
the rest. Finland is known as a model country of digital the criteria of public innovation funding and to public
development, but we are at among the worst in Europe procurement
regarding the availability of high-speed fixed internet networks. • reform the Mining Act so that it is sustainable both in terms
This is threatening the equality of people and regions and of the environment and social impacts
increasing digital inequality. • hold on to its target of raising public RDI funding to 4 per
In development cooperation, Finland is trying to balance cent of GDP by 2030
between promoting its own exports and the development • provide increasingly solid support for innovation activities
goals. Only a fraction of global economic growth benefits the and the industrial structure in developing countries as part
poorest people and nations. The use of development funds to of the development and trade policy
support Finnish companies may not be the most efficient way of • ensure access to functional transport and network
supporting the infrastructure, innovation and industrialisation connections throughout the country.
of developing countries.
Finland succeeded in creating the world’s first roadmap Organisations participating in this assessment: Dodo, Finnish
to a circular economy in 2016. The objective now is to bring Development NGOs Fingo, The Central Union of Agricultural
the circular economy to the core of competitiveness and Producers and Forest Owners (MTK), The Central Organisation of
economic growth strategy, transition to low-carbon energy, Finnish Trade Unions (SAK) and Technology for Life
start considering natural resources as a scarcity and promote
the shift to a sustainable lifestyle.

21
 Reduce inequality within and among countries

Government’s assessment
10.1 In Finland, income trends among the bottom 40% have Finland has succeeded in developing legislation and
kept abreast with the rest of the population, but the practices in a direction that emphasises equality and prevents
number of people on basic social assistance has grown discrimination. All public authorities are obliged to assess their
substantially in recent years. operations in terms of realisation of equality and to draw up a
10.2 Finland’s universal welfare model has aimed to promote plan to promote equality. The same obligation also applies to
everyone’s social, economic and political inclusion. educational institutions and employers that regularly employ
10.3 Legislation has been developed in a direction that over 30 people. The number of homeless people has declined
emphasises equality and prevents discrimination. as a result of extensive programmes implemented in Finland to
10.4 Equality promotion has long been one of the objectives reduce homelessness. Voter turnout in the 2019 Parliamentary
of fiscal policy, wage agreements and social security election rose to 72%, which was the highest level since the
development efforts. Parliamentary election of 1991. Citizens’ initiatives and other
10.5 Finland has contributed to enhancing the regulation and forms of participatory democracy have improved democracy
monitoring of global financial markets and institutions. and increased participation in society.

10.6 Finland has supported enhanced representation and

voice for developing countries in decision-making in Global responsibility
global international economic and financial institutions. Finland supports several international NGOs involved in
advocacy efforts in the field of non-discrimination at global,
10.7 Finland has supported a rules-based and responsible national and regional levels, including the Minority Rights
migration policy and developed its preparedness for Group (MRG) and the Centre for Economic and Social Rights
a mass influx of migrants, and it is also systematically (CESR). Finnish disability organisations involved in development
improving the quality of the asylum process and legal cooperation and their partners in developing countries are
safeguards for asylum seekers. important allies for Finland, especially including the Abilis
Foundation and Disability Partnership Finland. Finland has
supported the work of the Special Rapporteur on Extreme
Poverty and Human Rights from 2015 to 2020.
PEOPLE’S POLITICAL AND SOCIAL RIGHTS are realised
particularly effectively in Finland and other Nordic countries.
Respect for democracy, rule of law and fundamental and Key national policy initiatives in 2015–2020
human rights create a solid foundation for the welfare • Finland’s non-discrimination legislation was reformed in
approach. However, the differentiation of participation and 2015, resulting in considerable improvements in legal
political influence reflects the widening social gaps in broader safeguards available for victims of discrimination while
terms. reinforcing the obligation to promote equality.
Finland’s challenges: Increasing inequalities and social • Democracy and fundamental and human rights were
exclusion seem to accumulate and extend across generations. promoted through two government-level action plans
Although experiences of discrimination in Finland have running from 2017 to 2019, in order to encourage equal
declined slightly at the level of the whole population since 2015 participation and develop monitoring of discrimination, etc.
(18% > 16%), research shows that individuals from minority • A key government project disseminated evidence-based
backgrounds have a higher risk of facing discrimination than good operating models to promote health and wellbeing
the rest of the population. Young people’s life satisfaction has and to reduce inequalities (incl. vulnerable groups).
taken a downward turn, although the majority (85%) are still • Finland’s 2018 migration policy guidelines especially
satisfied with their lives. The average time to process asylum promote labour migration, integration to support this, and
applications has dropped from 350 to 244 days since 2016. good relations between people from different groups.
There are still challenges with implementation of removal
orders.

22
Reduce inequality within and among countries

Civil society’s assessment

TREND: NEGATIVE

SOME PEOPLE EXPERIENCE INCREASED INEQUALITY IN sustainable development. However, the Programme does not
FINLAND. The disparities in income and wealth ceased growing clearly state that Finland should actively strive to strengthen
in the 2000s, but from 2015 to 2019 changes in current income the role of UN in particular in reaching an agreement on
redistribution and taxation have favoured those in higher international taxation and preventing tax avoidance.
income brackets. The development will turn around in 2020, but Finland has shortened waiting lists for specialised
this will only partially cancel out previous cuts. Index cuts and medical care, combatted homelessness and raised the age
freezes of benefits, higher tax rates on benefits, reducing the limit of aftercare services in child protection to 25 years. Prime
share of rent covered by housing allowance and the “activation Minister Sanna Marin’s Government has made or is about to
model” have contributed to inequality among the unemployed, make positive national changes in areas, including: children’s
families with children and students in particular. In addition, subjective right to daycare, removal of the “activity model” for
health care client fees rose by 40 per cent in 2015–2016, which the unemployed, raising of benefits, introduction of a minimum
increased recovery proceedings arising from these fees by required carer per client rate for care homes, mental health
50 per cent; in 2019 more than 457 000 payments were subject strategy, substance abuse and addiction strategy, family leave
to debt recovery. The new Alcohol Act (2017) increased the practices, a democracy programme, prevention of violence
availability of alcohol, and the negative repercussions are against women, transgender legislation, health and social
felt especially in the low-income bracket, among the poorly services and social security services, gender budgeting, digital
qualified and long-term unemployed. skills support, increase in the compulsory school age and
The availability of some health and social services has free upper secondary education. In taxation, Finland used its
improved, but there are major differences between services and presidency of the Council of the EU to promote public country-
regions. There are issues particularly in the services for people in by-country reporting (CBCR) in the EU and prepared a new
vulnerable situations, including child protection, mental health national action plan on taxation and development.
services and alcohol and drug rehabilitation. The burdens on
families with children (economic, mental health, substance
abuse) tend to accumulate. In addition, significant population Finland must
groups miss out on digital services; there is inequality • continue increasing the level of basic social security and
between employed and unemployed people regarding health create an accessible and flexible social security system
care services, and there are gaps in the labour market and • reinforce cooperation between authorities and with CSOs
employment services. to comprehensively take into account the needs of the
Gender inequality is evident in the lower income level marginalised and special groups, including children
among women (with women with disabilities earning the • develop health and social services and employment services
least), the proportional increase of homelessness among with focus on the customer
women, gaps in the rights of female inmates and the difficulty • strengthen gender awareness, e.g. in budgeting and
in reducing violence against women. Groups which deviate in employment support measures
any way from the mainstream population experience inequality. • use trade, tax and development policy to reinforce the
The employment rate of immigrants is lower than of others, fairness of multilateral systems.
with discrimination and hate speech also making life more
difficult. People’s finances and background influence their Organisations participating in this assessment: Attac
social inclusion. Voter turnout among the highly educated is Finland, Central Organisation of Finnish Trade Unions SAK, EHYT
higher than among those with a basic level of education, and Finnish Association for Substance Abuse Prevention, Felm,
immigration background reduces the likelihood of political Finnish association of people with physical disabilities, Finnish
participation. Development NGOs Fingo, Finnish Foundation for Supporting
The Government Programme recognises the inequality of Ex-Offenders, Finnish National Organisation of the Unemployed,
the international system, the need to reinforce the position of SOSTE Finnish Federation for Social Affairs and Health
developing countries and the significance of taxation in funding

23
 Make cities and human settlements
inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable

Government’s assessment
11.1 Practically all housing in urban areas is adequate and the Finland has succeeded in strengthening an approach to
number of homeless persons has decreased. policy and planning in which key sectors, such as land use,
11.2 94% of the urban population lives within the range of housing and transportation are planned in a holistic manner
convenient access to public transport. in order to ensure sufficient density, energy efficiency,
11.3.1 Land consumption related to population growth affordability, accessibility and sustainability of the built
has been high, but density has increased over the past ten environment. National, and especially regional, development
years. planning is well established in Finland, covering both urban and
11.3.2 The Land Use and Building Act ensures everyone’s right rural areas.
to participate in land use planning. For over a decade, Finland has implemented a national
11.4.1 There is well-functioning legislation on cultural and strategy to reduce homelessness, and the number of homeless
natural heritage. persons has continuously decreased over the last five years.
11.5 Disasters seldom happen in Finland and are usually Practically all housing in urban areas in Finland is adequate but,
without injuries or substantial economic losses. due to price levels, affordability has not always been sufficient
11.6 The adverse per capita environmental impact of cities is at in the largest city regions.
a low level. Finland is a member of the United Nations Habitat Assembly
11.7.1–11.7.2 The share of open space for public use for all is and active participant at the World Urban Forum. Finnish
relatively high. Open spaces are safe for all. Government leads Sustainable Buildings and Construction
11.a National and regional development planning is well (SBC) programme under UN Environment 10 Year Framework of
established. Programmes on sustainable consumption and production.
11.b Risk reduction strategies are implemented by cities and
municipalities.
11.c Financial support to the least developed countries for the Main policy initiatives in 2016–2020
construction and retrofitting of buildings is low. • Following Habitat III, as part of our 2030 Agenda
Implementation Plan, Finland has put in place a National
Action Plan for Sustainable Urban Development.
• The goals of the National Cultural Environment Strategy
FINLAND AIMS to ensure sustainable urban development (2014–2020) have been achieved.
through legislative, policy and practical measures especially • Finland supports integrated planning through “Agreements
in the fields of housing, land use, construction and transport. of Intent” between the Government and major cities. In these
Finland’s national strategy aims to reduce the building stock’s metropolitan areas agree to increase the density of cities and
emissions by 90 per cent by 2050 construct more public housing. In turn, the state allocates
Challenges for Finland include achieving a comprehensive investments to public transport infrastructure.
broadly supported approach to sustainable cities and human • Finland has launched a roadmap in 2017 for establishing low
settlements. Finland is striving towards a polycentric regional carbon building legislation by 2025, based on limit values for
policy and structure, which utilises the strengths and resources life cycle carbon footprints of different building types in new
of different parts of the country. At the core of this policy are 1) building.
increasing density in growing urban areas and, 2) developing • The Wood Building Program promotes the use of wood in
peri-urban and rural areas according to their needs. urban development as an effective way to reduce the carbon
footprint of the construction industry.

24
Make cities and human settlements
inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable

Civil society’s assessment

TREND: NEUTRAL

FINLAND’S CHALLENGE IS that its population is predicted underway, including the Tampere tramway. To support bicycle
to concentrate around three urban centres – Helsinki, Tampere and pedestrian traffic, many cities have introduced bikeshare
and Turku. Remote areas are threatened by weakening public schemes. The investment in other public transport and energy-
services and transport connections. In a large part of the efficient solutions, such as biogas buses, has been insufficient.
country, the value of real estate is in decline and construction The development in accessibility is positive: fleets, platforms
debt is on the rise, while other areas suffer from a housing and ticket pricing have been updated with attention to special
shortage. The current situation is unsustainable. groups.
The population is ageing, and the target is to enable 92 per Municipal participation opportunities for local residents have
cent of over 75-year-olds to continue living at home. Up to a improved. Attention has been paid to equality of participation,
million homes need to be refurbished to meet the needs of but there is still room for improvement. Urban district and
ageing occupants, and accessibility must be increased both in village activities have gained in popularity in the 2000s, which
new construction and renovations. Standards of construction has promoted a sense of belonging, alongside urban activism.
have been updated and the state grants assistance for
reconstruction and housing for special needs groups, but it
remains to be seen if these measures are sufficient. Finland must
Systemic fragility has increased in Finland. Climate change • utilise the digital transformation to increase work
increases the need to prepare for direct risks, such as flooding opportunities which are not tied to a location in various
and storms. Global catastrophes cause indirect risks, such as regions of the country
changes in food and energy security. Until now these risks have • carry out the traffic fuel reform in a sustainable and diverse
not been anticipated and prevented by sufficiently concrete way by promoting the use of electricity and biogas in public
measures to guarantee society’s equilibrium and security of transportation and passenger traffic
supply in exceptional circumstances. Internationally Finland • ensure availability of participation and services, accessibility
needs to prevent the eruption of crises by supporting the and age-friendliness of the built environment to secure
resilience of local societies and by promoting sustainable equality
construction in developing countries, including through • set the closing of nutrient cycles as a target in industries,
development cooperation. housing, agriculture and waste management
Finland has succeeded in paying more attention to the • promote resource wisdom and sustainability of communities
circular economy and carbon neutrality in construction, urban in crisis situations by expanding the models of sharing
planning and waste processing. The increase in municipal waste economy
recycling has come to a halt, though, and requires additional • ensure that urban planning secures balanced infill
measures. The attainment of circular economy targets in the development, land use revisions and accessibility of green
built environment is hampered by the slowness of change areas
in the sector. Finland is aiming to close nutrient cycles, i.e. to • anticipate risks by investing in climate change mitigation,
recycle organic waste as fertiliser. Practical measures have been tying up carbon dioxide emissions, taking responsibility
taken in the cooperation networks of agricultural and other for outsourced emissions, transferring assets to carbon-
operators and in new residential areas, but the implementation free investments and supporting fragile communities and
is still in its infancy. communities affected by the climate change.
Investments have been made in the increase of rail transport
and bicycle and pedestrian traffic, and the number of journeys Organisations participating in this assessment: Dodo, the
made by rail transport increased by 13 per cent in 2015–2018. Finnish Association of People with Physical Disabilities, Finnish
The Helsinki metro expanded westwards, slightly reducing Development NGOs Fingo, the Finnish Village Movement
vehicle traffic into the city. Other rail projects are currently Association, Ukumbi

25
 Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns

Government’s assessment
12.1 Finland has a national strategy on sustainable Challenges for Finland are a high raw material footprint
consumption and production and is co-leading the global and difficulties in reaching targets set for recycling of waste. In
One Planet Programme on Sustainable Buildings and Finland, the consumption of raw materials is notably high both
Construction. in relation to gross domestic product and per capita. Finland
12.2 Resource-efficiency has increased, but the consumption is an energy- and material-intensive country due to its climate,
of raw materials is high and material footprint per capita geography and large-scale intensive exporting metal and forest
is around 29 tons. industries.
12.3 Finland is preparing a methodology on calculating Finland has succeeded in both reducing emissions and
food waste and a roadmap with goals and measures for catalyzing innovations especially by combining economic
reducing food losses. incentives and legislation as well as promoting circular
12.4 Finland is (an active participant in a multilateral strategic economy. Public procurement system is being actively
approach to international chemical management. Finland developed to promote strategic goals in environmental
has a national chemical action plan. policy and innovation. Finnish companies have been active
12.5 Per-capita amount of municipal waste generated in developing tools to improve their responsibility and
in Finland has stayed below the EU average, but grew in sustainability. The State and the business sector have also
2018. negotiated voluntary agreements (Green deals) to take joint
12.6 An Accounting Act requires public-interest entities, i.e. action by seeking solutions to mitigate climate change and
listed companies, banks and insurance companies to promote a circular economy.
report on their corporate social responsibility (CSR). Finland has taken global responsibility by co-leading the
One Planet Network Programme on Sustainable Buildings and
12.7 Finland is scoring well in European Benchmarking Construction Programme (SBC). Finland has also been active
Studies comparing strategic use of Public Procurement for in the Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE) UN-led
Innovation. network to assist countries in actions on green economy.
12.8 Sustainable development is integrated into all levels of
education.
12.a Finland supports countries in actions on greening Main policy initiatives in 2016–2020
economy. • Finland wants to be carbon neutral by 2035 and carbon
12.b Sustainable Travel Finland -programme for tourism negative soon after that. The goal is to reduce the carbon
companies and destinations help the tourism industry in footprint of consumption by an average of 50% by the year
Finland to adopt sustainable practices. 2030 according to the Medium-term Climate Change Policy
12.c Finland has globally championed to phase-out inefficient Plan for 2030.
fossil fuel subsidies, but there is no plan to phase-out • Establishment of a network-based centre of excellence on
fossil fuel subsidies. public procurement (KEINO). The purpose of the hub is
to increase ambition and expertise as well as to improve
sustainability and innovation in public procurement.
• The material-efficiency programme focuses on creating
ECOLOGICAL FOOTPRINT OF FINLAND is more than three industrial symbiosis to build partnerships and new business
times larger than the global average and our consumption opportunities. The Government has made a materials
has negative effects abroad. However, Finland has been one efficiency agreement with the Finnish food industry, and
of the pioneers in the field of sustainable consumption and trade and packaging sectors to reduce the environmental
production and has adopted SCP strategies and action plans impacts of food production, distribution and consumption in
since 2005. 2019–2021
• National plastic roadmap presents a set of key actions to find
solutions to reduce, refuse, recycle and replace plastics.

26
Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns

Civil society’s assessment

TREND: NEGATIVE

FINLAND’S CHALLENGE IS that our consumption of natural From a sustainable production and consumption perspective
resources per capita is among the highest globally. Finland’s it is also promising that Finland is currently preparing corporate
economy is closely tied in with the consumption of raw responsibility legislation that would include human rights due
materials and energy. The economy produced 0.21 kg of carbon diligence obligations.
dioxide per EUR 1 of GDP, more than double that of Sweden or
Switzerland.
The average material footprint among Finns is over 40 000 kg Finland must
per person a year, and the trend is rising. A sustainable, globally • prepare a concrete plan of action on how we are to transition
just level would be around one fifth of current footprint. The to a carbon-neutral circular economy
amount of municipal waste generated by Finns also increased in • monitor and reduce emissions resulting from Finnish
2018 by about 8 per cent on the year before. Finns generated on consumption and other cross-border environmental impacts
average 550 kg of waste per person. from consumption
Finland has promised to halve its food waste by 2030. This • carry out public procurement processes applying the
is a welcome policy, since Finns waste 400 million kilograms of guiding principle of impact on society, sustainable
edible food a year. development and human rights compliance, including
The enormous consumption of natural resources and the accessibility of products and services to people with
amount of waste generated are at odds with the ambitious disabilities.
circular economy targets. Finland lacks a comprehensive plan • encourage people to eat climate-friendly and ecological
on how to achieve sustainable level of material use. Finland food and pay attention to the entire production chain in the
does not, for example, monitor the key figures indicating the assessment of the environmental impacts of food
material efficiency of its economy other than the aggregating • find concrete measures in the food waste roadmap, prepared
DMC indicator, and only fragmented data is available on the under the direction of the Ministry of Agriculture and
global environmental impact of Finnish consumption. Forestry, to get all operators in the food system to reduce
Finland has not phased out subsidies for fossil fuels or to waste
environmentally harmful business operations. • phase out all subsidies to fossil fuels and environmentally
Finland’s total public procurement amounts to around EUR harmful operations.
35 billion a year, and an increasing share of municipal budgets
is spent on procurement. However, very few municipalities Organisations participating in this assessment: Attac,
manage procurement in a way that would promote the Changemaker, Pro Ethical Trade Finland, Felm, Finnish
municipality’s sustainable development goals. Development NGOs Fingo, The Finnish Association of People
Finland has succeeded in its target of drafting a roadmap with Physical Disabilities, The Consumers’ Union of Finland, The
for a circular economy in 2016 and a complementary circular Central Union of Agricultural Producers and Forest Owners, The
economy action plan. The roadmap sets the target of Finland Martha Organization, Fairtrade Finland, International Solidarity
being a leading nation in circular economy by 2025. Foundation, Finnish Confederation of Professionals STTK, The
Central Organisation of Finnish Trade Unions SAK

27
 Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts

Government’s assessment
13.1 Awareness of the need for adaptation to climate change As for Finland’s global responsibility, Finland supports
has increased. Implementation of national adaptation developing countries’ climate measures as part of its
policies has contributed to increased climate resilience in development cooperation. In this context, Finland provided
many sectors, but variation across sectors remains. EUR 46,6 million of climate finance to developing countries
13.2 Climate Change Act defines a planning system to ensure in 2018. To catalyse investments for climate-smart projects in
a coherent, long-term approach to climate policy. The developing countries, Finland decided in 2017 to channel EUR
Government’s new budget proposal aligns the economic 114 million into the Finland–International Finance Corporation
policy with a target of carbon neutrality by 2035. Climate Change Programme. Finland aims to support the Green
13.3 Concept of ‘eco-social education’ has been introduced in Climate Fund with EUR 100 million in 2020–2023.
the National Core Curricula for basic education and upper However, regarding the Finnish footprint, consumption-
secondary schools. based GHG emissions have not declined in 2000s. The Finnish
13.a Finland is committed to mobilizing USD 100 billion Innovation Fund Sitra estimates that Finns need to halve
annually by 2020 jointly with other developed countries. their carbon footprint to avoid over-consumption of natural
resources.
13.b Most of the Finnish climate-related bilateral development
projects include a capacity-building component. Finland
is one of the world leaders in supporting the capacity Main policy initiatives in 2016–2020
building of developing countries’ hydro-meteorological • adoption of the target to achieve climate-neutrality by 2035;
services. • aligning the Government budget with the 2035 net zero
target; putting in place the legislation to phase out the use
of coal in energy production by May 2029;
• having a quota obligation for the use of biofuels set to 30 %
FINLAND AIMS to be climate neutral by 2035. The Government by 2030.
is updating national climate legislation and the national 2050
target, which is currently an 80 % reduction in Green House
Gas (GHG) emissions compared to the 1990 level, to reflect the
climate-neutrality target. Total GHG emissions in 2018 were 21%
lower than in 1990.
The biggest challenge for Finland is to achieve a rapid Finland’s greenhouse gas emissions and removals by sector
reduction of GHG emissions. According to Statistics Finland’s in 1990 to 2018 *Preliminary data.
preliminary data, the total GHG emissions in 2018 (56.4 million
t CO2 eq.) declined 3% compared to 2016. However, compared Million t CO2-eq.
to 2017 the emissions in 2018 grew by 2%, mostly due to 80
increased consumption of natural gas and peat. The net sink 60
of the LULUCF sector varies on an annual basis due to fellings
40
and it has been between 9.8–21.3 million tons CO2 between
2014–2018. In 2018 the net sink was 43 % lower than in 2017. 20
According to the 2019 interim review of the implementation of 0
the National Climate Change Adaptation Plan, climate-related -20
risk management is still partly lacking as some sectors are only
-40
beginning to plan adaptation actions and capacities to address 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2018*
climate-related risks vary significantly across sectors and levels
Energy sector
of implementation.
Industrial processes and product use
Finland has succeeded in increasing the use of renewable
Agriculture
energy throughout the 2010s, and had the second-highest share Waste management
of renewable energy in Europe in 2017 and in 2018. 41 % of final LULUCF net sink
energy consumption was covered with renewables in 2018. The Net emission (incl. LULUCF sector)
use of coal for energy will be phased out by May 2029. Indirect CO2 emissions

28
Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts

Civil society’s assessment

TREND: NEGATIVE

FINLAND’S CHALLENGE IS that our emissions are far from Finland has succeeded in climate action most notably by
a sustainable and globally justified level, and the direction is enacting an act that bans the use of coal by 2029. The emissions
alarming: in 2018, the total greenhouse gas emissions increased have declined over the long term, however, in 2016–2018
by two per cent on the previous year. emissions have increased.
Finnish accounting of greenhouse gas emissions do not Climate activism (Climate Move) had an impact on the
consider the impact of Finnish consumption beyond its national programmes and outcome of the 2019 Parliamentary elections
borders. In 2015, these consumption-based emissions were one and through this on the Government Programme. However,
third higher that those emitted from Finland. In 2018, Finland’s only the implementation of the Programme will show whether
carbon sink fell more than 40 per cent from the previous year Finland is able to succeed in its carbon neutrality target by 2035.
due to record levels of felling.
Finland has much to improve in regard its climate finance.
The allocation of finance lacks clear criteria and openness. Finland must
Finland’s fair share of the USD 100 billion commitment to • limit its emissions in line with the more ambitious target of
climate finance agreed in the Paris Agreement would be at least 1.5ºC and set targets for its carbon sinks that would allow it
USD 200 million a year, but the mobilized finance has been less to achieve carbon neutrality before 2035
than half of this in the past few years. • phase out all subsidies for fossil fuels and activities that are
Predictable public grant-based finance must form the harmful for the climate, and raise taxation of peat to match
foundation for Finland’s climate finance; currently the focus that of other fossil fuels
is on the private sector and on market-based instruments. • address the carbon footprint of consumption by providing
The finances cannot be regarded as “new or additional”, since informative guidance, financial incentives and legislative and
climate finance is reported under development finance. taxation-based steering
Finance for purposes that are harmful for the climate has not • oblige Government-owned companies to align their
been phased out, and Finland continues to fund fossil energy operations with the 1.5ºC target
sources from its development finance. Finance is also not being • incorporate the principles of a just transition into legislation
targeted equally at mitigation and adaptation. and into national, regional and sector-specific climate and
Climate policy generates well-being, livelihoods and decent energy strategies
work only if the transition to a climate resilient society can be • mobilize at least EUR 200 million a year to global climate
executed fairly, without leaving any groups behind and while finance and distribute this evenly between adaptation and
paying special attention to vulnerable groups. Climate change mitigation.
will particularly affect the lives of children and young people,
but they have not been proactively listened to or taken into Organisations participating in this assessment: Attac Finland,
account as a particularly vulnerable target group. Felm, the Finnish Association for Nature Conservation, Finnish
Climate change mitigation, impacts and adaptation should Committee for UNICEF, Finnish Development NGOs Fingo, Plan
be included in school curricula and basic foundations at all International Finland, the Siemenpuu Foundation, Technology
levels of education. for Life

29
 Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas
and marine resources for sustainable development

Government’s assessment
14.1 Although long-term trends of marine pollution are FINLAND WORKS actively both nationally and internationally
declining, Finland has been unable to significantly reduce to achieve a clean and healthy Baltic Sea and to improve
marine pollution in the last few years. protection of ocean ecosystems globally. Although progress has
14.2 In 2018, five of 42 assessed marine underwater habitats been made goals have not been fully achieved yet.
were assessed as endangered and five vulnerable. Since For Finland a continuing challenge is excess loading of
2008, 24 % of habitat types had declined. phosphorus, nitrogen and organic matter from land-based
14.3 Finland takes part in regional Baltic Sea cooperation sources. This has resulted in large-scale eutrophication. Since
in HELCOM to increase scientific understanding and to the 1970s, Finland has been able to significantly cut the loads
address the impacts of ocean acidification. of nutrients from urban and industrial point sources but diffuse
14.4 EU Common Fisheries policy and the national Fisheries loading, especially from agriculture, remains a great challenge.
Act of Finland are based on sustainable use of resources in Even though marine protected areas, provide protection for
line with the best scientific information available. a limited number of species and habitats, many previously
14.5 In 2018, Finland achieved the target of 10 % coverage of common habitats have become endangered and most
the marine protected area of Finland’s total marine area. protected areas lack a management plan.
Finland has succeeded in finding new methods to tackle
14.6 Support for the fisheries sector is in line with the EU’s state marine pollution. The Government has during the recent
aid guidelines. Furthermore, support for fisheries through years provided extra funding for development and piloting of
the EU funds does not permit to support measures innovative methods to reduce nutrient loading and to protect
leading to IUU fishing, overcapacity or overfishing. the marine environment. New methods, such as the spreading
14.a Since 2016 Finnish Marine Research Infrastructure of gypsum on farmland to bind phosphorus in the soil, have
(FINMARI) has combined all major actors of the Finnish been successful for quick reduction of losses of phosphorus. The
marine research community. coverage of marine protected areas in the Finnish marine areas
14.b In accordance with Finnish legislation, small scale has increased from 9.9 % in 2016 to 11.1 % in 2019 and Finland
artisanal fisheries have access to marine resources and has achieved the 10 % target. Finland has a national marine
markets. strategy with a programme of measures for protection of the
14.c In 2019, Finland’s Government adopted the Resolution on marine environment.
Finland’s maritime policy guidelines. Finland has actively In terms of global responsibility Finland cooperates on
contributed to healthy oceans and seas related work marine protection with other Baltic Sea coastal countries and
under UNCLOS and UNEP/UNEA. the EU under the umbrella of HELCOM and is active in global
cooperation for the health of oceans. Finland advocates stricter
IMO regulation of emissions from shipping to air and water and
is taking measures to improve the waste management of ships.

Total phosphorus (PTOT) pollution from Finland to the Baltic

Sea in 1995–2018 Key national policy initiatives in 2015–2020
• Maximum levels for annual land-based loading have been
P (t) set as part of Finland’s marine strategy. In 2016–2019, the
6 000 Government invested approximately EUR 40 million of
5 000 extra funding to improve the status of the marine and fresh
waters. In 2020–2023, investments are planned to continue
4 000
and be total EUR 69 million.
3 000 • Plastics Roadmap for Finland was launched in 2018 to reduce
2 000 losses of plastics to the environment.

1 000
• To implement the national maritime policy guidelines,
Finland has in 2016–2019 actively contributed to global level
0 work for improving the status of oceans and seas, e.g. in
1995 1998 2001 2004 2007 2010 2013 2016
processes under the UNCLOS, UN Regional Seas Programme
Point source Riverine input Total load inter alia during Finland’s EU Presidency and the UNEA/UNEP.

30
Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas
and marine resources for sustainable development

Civil society’s assessment

TREND: NEUTRAL

FINLAND’S CHALLENGE IS that eutrophication is alarmingly The Ministry of the Environment has funded projects that
high in many areas of the Baltic Sea, and the state of coastal implement and support the Marine protection programmes
waters is only moderate or bad. The target of healthy oceans with approximately EUR 8 million. The target of several
will not be achieved by 2020, and it is being issued a new projects was to reduce the nutrient loads leaching from land to
deadline of 2027. watercourses. In terms of eutrophication, the state of the Gulf of
The nutrient load from agriculture is still high. In addition, Finland has improved due to reduced point source loading.
the State continues to subsidise peat production even The water protection promotion programme was launched
though peat harvesting and the associated particle loads in 2019, and the Government assigned EUR 69 million of
on watercourses accelerate eutrophication of watercourses, funding to it in 2019–2023. To support marine spatial planning,
increase turbidity of the water, accelerate the growth of aquatic data has been gathered on local conservation values and
plants and algae, cause siltation and increase the dominance of statuses. The findings of the Finnish Inventory Programme for
fish in the carp family in the fish stock. the Underwater Marine Environment, VELMU, are utilised as
Clear cutting of forests has increased, and associated tilling basis for planning work, for example in the “Meriavain” project
of soil increases the amount of nutrients and solids ending that aims to generate data on the location, number and quality
up in watercourses with runoff. Clear cutting contributes to of key marine habitats.
eutrophication of watercourses, turbidity of waters, oxygen Finland has a successful bottle deposit and return system
depletion in waters and leaching of mercury, which is toxic for that helps to reduce the amount of plastic waste in the sea.
aquatic organisms, into watercourses. Plastic recycling has also been improved.
Among Finland’s 75 fish species, 12 are endangered, many
of these marine species. In addition, data of seven species is
deficient. Invasive alien species have reproduced in the Baltic Finland must
Sea, and they are displacing endemic species. • update its Water and Environmental Protection Acts so that
Fishing quotas are too high at the EU level with regard to they meet the Water Framework Directive requirements in
several species. Although Finland has called for scientifically compliance with the polluter pays principle
based quotas, the quotas have not been adjusted accordingly. • cease clear cutting in state-owned lands
Earlier start of commercial salmon fishing in the Gulf of Bothnia • target agricultural subsidies more effectively to activities
also threatens Finland’s salmon stocks. that prevent eutrophication of watercourses
Microplastics and their accumulation in organisms is • steer eating habits more strongly towards vegetarian food
recognised as a new threat. and support the use of sustainable Baltic Sea fish as food
Finland has succeeded in its target, for example by • ban smoking on beaches, as cigarette butts are the most
complementing the Natura 2000 network in 2018 with three prevalent type of waste in seas and on beaches
valuable marine ecosystem regions. In a three-year spearhead • continue restoring fishways and expand fishway obligations
project, Regeneration of migratory and endangered fish in licences.
stocks, fish stocks were regenerated in collaboration with local
parties, and the decision was made to earmark a larger sum Organisations participating in this assessment: Finnish
to improving the living conditions of migratory fish species in Development NGOs Fingo, The Finnish Nature League, The
2019. Finnish Association for Nature Conservation
A significant penalty is now imposed on anyone caught
illegally fishing declining or endangered fish species, and at
the EU level Finland has promoted scientifically sustainable
regulation of fishing.

31
 Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial
ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification,
and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss

Government’s assessment
15.1 Sustainable use has been integrated into legislation and of forests at the level of legislation, strategies and
various plans but additional investments are required to recommendations. Finland’s strengths include a good
achieve its objectives. knowledge base on forests and nature and distribution of this
15.2 There are guidelines for sustainable forest management. information as well as cooperation between administrative
Opportunities to reduce deforestation have been branches, researchers and practitioners.
explored. The measures included in the Rural Development
15.5 Action is being taken to halt biodiversity loss, but it is Programme for Mainland Finland 2014–2020 have promoted
necessary to step up the efforts. Additional investments the management of endangered traditional rural biotopes,
are required. maintained wetlands established in agricultural areas,
15.6 The Finnish National Genetic Resources Programme established various grasslands to support biodiversity, and
for Agriculture, Forestry and Fishery was updated in 2018. protected the genetic resources of farmed animals and crop
varieties.
15.7 National, EU and international law is implemented,
e.g. in keeping with the CITES, population management
plans for different species. Global responsibility
15.8 Legislation on invasive alien species are implemented Finland finances through ODA several international
including the list of invasive alien species and separate organization’s such as FAO, GEF, UNEP and IUCN and projects in
management plans. the field of protection of biodiversity and sustainable natural
15.9 The economic values of different species have been resources and forest management actively participates in
introduced into planning processes, but the work is still international conventions such as CBD, CCD and UNFF. The use
ongoing. of imported fossil resources contribute to the climate change
and the global destruction of habitats

FINLAND’S CHALLENGE is to halt the loss of biodiversity. Key national policy initiatives in 2015–2020
Based on the Red List Index, the species that are becoming • The National Forest Strategy and METSO programme have
threatened at the fastest rate include those found in alpine, contributed to safeguarding biodiversity measures into
mire and aquatic habitats. The change has been lowest in practice and developing awareness and know-how.
traditional rural biotopes and other cultural habitats and in • The Rural Development Programme for Mainland Finland
forests. At the same time, however, most threatened species 2014–2020 and greening measures under the EU common
live in forests and traditional rural biotopes. Halting the loss agricultural policy have contributed to safeguarding
requires increasing awareness and know-how of the means to agricultural biodiversity.
protect biodiversity among forest owners and professionals • Finland has been active in the implementation The Finnish
and targeting the relevant measures cost-effectively as well as National Biodiversity Strategy and National Action Plan
additional resources. (NBSAP) including protection, sustainable use and the fair
Finland has succeeded in mainstreaming biodiversity and equitable sharing of benefits of genetic resources.
protection as part of the sustainable use and management

32
Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial
ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification,
and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss

Civil society’s assessment

TREND: NEGATIVE

FINLAND’S CHALLENGE IS the persistent loss of biodiversity. than 8 000 hectares of new conservation areas from private
The 2020 target to halt the loss of biodiversity will not be landowners, municipalities and the state. A new national
attained in Finland, as is also the case elsewhere. park was established in Hossa to protect old-growth forests.
It has been estimated that around 48 per cent of Finland’s A complementary programme for protection of mires was
400 habitat types are threatened. The most threatened implemented in state-owned lands.
habitat types are traditional semi-natural grasslands (100%) The implementation of the Forest Biodiversity Programme
and forest biotopes (76%). Factors threatening them include for Southern Finland (2014–2025) continued. The programme
forestry, drainage, clearing of land for arable land, construction, is based on voluntary forest conservation and nature
eutrophication of watercourses and climate change. management by landowners. Consideration of biodiversity
The area of protected forest land and poorly productive of managed forests has also been promoted through the
forest is 13 per cent in the whole of Finland, but only 5 per Monimetsä project, through forest certification and by updating
cent in Southern Finland. The Forest Act was updated in 2014, forest management guidelines.
which according to the Natural Resources Institute Finland, The Endangered Species Protection Programme was
led to a reduction in surface area of the habitats of special completed in 2017. Yet, shortage of funding has restricted its
importance as defined in the Act by 27 000 hectares. This has a implementation, and species’ endangerment has continued.
direct negative impact on biodiversity, but the actual impacts There was an experiment of licensed wolf hunting, but this was
of the changes on the forest nature require more detailed terminated in 2016 after the stock declined. The protection of
study. Average annual felling volume increased in 2016–2019, the Saimaa ringed seal stands as a positive example.
and 2018 was a record year. A Government report found that
water pollution due to forestry was significantly higher than
previously expected. Finland must
In the Land Use and Building Act, the option to impose a • fund and promote research to support legislation and
requirement for a landscape work permit for forestry lands sustainable land use
within new local master plans was removed. The option had • maintain and increase funding for nature conservation
been used, for example, to secure valuable biotopes or valuable • ensure that authorities have sufficient resources and
landscapes, which is why environmental organisations consider promote the cooperation of licensing, monitoring and
this change in the Act a loss. An amendment was made to advisory services
the Mining Act in 2019 that allows environmental impact • promote active nature management and restoration
assessments to be carried out later than before in some cases. • take biodiversity and environmental protection into
Under the 2019 Government Programme one of the premises in account, in compliance with the Government Programme, in
the Mining Act reform is to improve the level of environmental legislative reforms
protection. • work towards having EU funds take into account EU
The distribution of invasive alien species has increased. protection targets and the European Green Deal and
The prevention of invasive alien species has largely been support the sustainable use of natural resources and nature
managed by the initiatives of environmental organizations and conservation
volunteers. • maintain the purity of arable land and forest land at its
Finland has succeeded in making biodiversity a topic current good level.
of public debate. Funding cuts, however, impaired nature
conservation work. The 2019 Government Programme pledges Organisations participating in this assessment: The Central
a change for the better. Biodiversity has also been promoted Union of Agricultural Producers and Forest Owners MTK,
through EU Life funding. the Finnish Association for Nature Conservation, Finnish
The Luontolahjani satavuotiaalle campaign marking Development NGOs Fingo, WWF Finland
the centenary of Finland’s independence amassed more

33
 Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable
development, provide access to justice for all and build effective,
accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels

Government’s assessment
16.1 The long-term downward trend in homicide rates sexual assault victims and shelter places for domestic violence
bottomed out in 2018. victims. Furthermore, various multidisciplinary operating
16.2 There has also been an increase in the number of sexual models (such as MARAC and Anchor) have been developed
assaults against children reported to the police. and disseminated to help domestic violence victims and break
16.3 According to international studies, the Finnish judicial juvenile offenders’ downward spiral of crime.
system is the most independent in the world. In recent years, Finland has successfully advanced anti-
16.4 Over the 2010s, new foreign organised crime groups have corruption measures, such as increasing awareness at the
emerged in Finland and the number of gang chapters has national level, and leading an anti-corruption campaign.
almost doubled. Finland has succeeded in halting the decline in voter
16.5 Finland is internationally considered a country of low turnout. Voter turnout in the 2019 parliamentary election rose
corruption and bribery offences are rare. to 72%, which was the highest level since the parliamentary
16.6 The Legatum Prosperity Index ranks Finland’s governance election of 1991. Citizens’ initiatives and other forms of
as the most effective in the world. participatory democracy have improved democracy and
16.7 People’s political and social rights are effectively realised increased participation in society.
in Finland. As for global responsibility, one of the four priorities of
Finland’s development policy comprises peace-building and
reinforcing effective and democratic societies. The work to
develop effective societies is based on a broad democracy
A STABLE AND EFFECTIVE SOCIETY creates a good concept, where promoting human rights, rule of law, good
foundation for implementing the Sustainable Development governance and freedom of speech, eradicating corruption
Goals in Finland. Finland is one of the safest countries in the and empowering citizens’ participation are considered key to
world. We also excel at international rankings measuring the reinforce democracy.
level of corruption, freedom of the press, or trust in authorities Furthermore, Finland has supported the development of
and the legal system. legal systems in weak states by means such as training police
Finland’s challenge is the fact that although most people officers and judges in civilian crisis management operations.
are faring well and feel safe and able to participate in society, The number of participants Finland sends to civilian crisis
insecurity and deprivation accumulate for certain population management operations is the highest of all EU countries
groups. By way of example, violent crime and its gross forms, relative to its population size.
in particular, concentrate in a relatively small group of socially
excluded substance abusers, who also run a manifold risk
of becoming victims of violence when compared with the Key national policy initiatives in 2015–2020
mainstream of the population. Violence perpetration and • The Finnish Government published a Report on Internal
victimisation are most prevalent among younger age groups. Security in 2016 and an Internal Security Strategy in October
The numbers of assault offences recorded by the police have 2017.
remained stable in recent years. Physical violence, including • A new Action Plan for the Prevention of Violence against
at least a slap, had been experienced by six per cent of people Children, entitled Non-Violent Childhoods, was published in
aged 15 to 74. An almost uninterrupted 20-year period of November 2019.
declining homicide rates came to an end as the number of • Based on the Government Programme, Finland is carrying
homicides increased by 28% on the previous year. out a comprehensive reform of legislation governing
The sectors at risk of corruption in Finland include public sexual offences, where one of the tasks is to review the
procurement, construction and urban planning, as well as provisions on and scales of penalties for sexual offences, thus
political decision-making and financing. The forms of structural reinforcing children’s criminal-law protection against sexual
corruption are not reflected in international statistics, such as abuse and other sexual offences.
the Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index, • Finland’s non-discrimination legislation was reformed in
which ranks Finland high (third place in 2019). 2015. The realisation of fundamental and human rights was
Finland has succeeded in improving services for crime promoted through the National Action Plan on Fundamental
victims by means such as establishing Seri Support Centres for and Human Rights 2017–2019.

34
Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable
development, provide access to justice for all and build effective,
accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels

Civil society’s assessment

TREND: NEGATIVE

FINLAND’S CHALLENGE IS that social polarisation has In fragile states Finnish actors have supported the rights and
increased, and there is an increase in hate speech particularly participation of women, children, young people and people
targeting asylum seekers and Muslims. There is also an increase with disabilities, as well as gender equality.
in online bullying, hate speech and sexual grooming by The Parliament approved the amendment of the Non-
strangers targeting children. Among 9th graders, 10 per cent Military Service Act on 1 March 2019. In future, all reservist
have experienced violent threats. objectors who had been approved for supplementary service
To implement the Istanbul Convention, Finland has been are automatically exempted from military service.
urged to promptly implement clear procedures and guidelines
for the protection of women and girls.
Privacy protection for citizens was narrowed down through Finland must
new civilian intelligence legislation which took effect in 2019, • prepare a peace policy programme to lessen hate speech
as it is possible that screening could leave large amounts of the and to transform a culture of violence into a culture of peace
communications of individual citizens in the possession of the • prepare an implementation plan for the Lanzarote
authorities. Convention that will cover the convention’s entire content
Finnish companies exported weapons to countries which • better protect undocumented children and ensure that they
participate in wars or which violate human rights according to receive the educational and health care services they are
international reports. entitled to
The UN Human Rights Committee and Human Rights Council • end the export of weapons and military equipment to
have repeatedly paid attention to the position of total objectors countries at war
who refuse all military service in Finland, and the Human Rights • cut military expenses to mitigate for and adapt to the climate
Council has urged Finland to ensure that the alternative civilian change and direct the funds nationally and internationally
service option is strictly managed by civilians. to the most impoverished individuals and to the poorest
Finland has actively promoted the implementation of countries
the UN Security Council resolution 1325 – Women, peace • support the creation of new peace mediation models by
and security – in international arenas, and is among the first bringing together multilateral, private sector and CSO actors
countries to start preparing a national implementation plan and by promoting multi-actor projects and programmes
regarding resolution 2250 – Youth, peace and security. Young • stop penalising total objectors and ensure that the civilian
people and youth CSOs have taken ownership of the process. service is not longer than the shortest military service
In its foreign policy, Finland has emphasised conflict • tighten arms legislation and monitor compliance more
prevention, mediation, dialogue processes and addressing effectively than is currently the case.
the root causes of conflicts. These targets have been partially
implemented. In the Defence Report, Finland sets the Organisations participating in this assessment: Peace
development of national defence capability as the objective of Union of Finland, Women’s International League for Peace and
its participation in crisis management operations. The proposed Freedom WILPF, Committee of 100 in Finland, Felm, The Union
increase of the appropriation for peace mediation work in of Conscientious Objectors AKL, Save the Children Finland, UN
2019 was a long overdue step in the right direction. Finland Association of Finland, Finnish Development NGOs Fingo
consistently highlighted the rule of law in dialogue during its
EU Presidency in the second half of 2019.

35
 Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the
global partnership for sustainable development

Government’s assessment
17.1  Finland is going to achieve the goal of doubling Youth Agenda 2030 Group have been established to challenge
official development assistance (ODA) to support and support the Commission. Finland also has a long-term
domestic resource mobilisation in low-income countries commitment to support multi-stakeholder partnerships in
in 2021. science, technology and innovations for development. Finland
17.2–17.5 Finland falls short of the 0.7% GNI target in is currently spearheading innovation and digital development
development funding, but the new Government has particularly through the innovation activities of the UN.
decided to increase the disbursements and to formulate Our human rights-based development policy aims at
a roadmap to reach the 0.7 % GNI target. eliminating poverty, reducing inequalities and implementing
17.6–17.8 Finland has strengthened its support to UN SDGs in LDCs. In order to leave no one behind, Finland has been
innovation and technology activities. focusing its global implementation of the 2030 Agenda on four
17.9 Providing capacity building for the implementation priority areas: 1) Women and Girls, 2) Sustainable Economies
of the SDGs in developing countries has been and Decent jobs, 3) Education and Democratic Societies, and
incorporated in projects and programmes in a 4) Climate Change and Natural Resources. Finland’s trade
cross-cutting manner. policy is fully in line with the objectives to promote a universal,
17.10–17.12 Developing countries are effectively taken rules-based, open, transparent, predictable, inclusive, non-
into consideration in Finland’s trade policy. discriminatory and equitable multilateral trading system under
17.13–17.17 Political commitment, a whole-of-government the WTO, as well as meaningful trade liberalisation. Finland
approach and multi-stakeholder engagement are in has also joined the Addis Tax Initiative in 2015 to strengthen
place to foster policy coherence on sustainable developing countries’ domestic resource mobilisation, and
development. will achieve the goal of doubling ODA to support domestic
17.18–17.19 Statistical capacity-building and support to resource mobilisation in low-income countries in 2021.
develop measurements and disaggregated data is In its development financing, Finland has devised several
incorporated in development cooperation projects as instruments to target the financing gap in SDG investment
appropriate. needs.

Key national policy initiatives in 2015–2020

FINLAND IS a proactive member of the global community and • Finland’s new Government programme (2019): the 2030
defends the multilateral cooperation actively. The 2030 Agenda Agenda and the Paris Agreement provide the foundation for
and the Paris Agreement lay the foundation for Finland’s international cooperation in the coming years
international cooperation. • An independent evaluation of Finland’s sustainable
Finland’s challenges: Finland’s development funding was development policy conducted in 2019, including
reduced significantly between 2016 and 2019. In 2018, Finland formulated concrete recommendations for the future.
used 833 MEUR (0.36% of its GNI, target: 0.7%) on development • Establishment of the Agenda 2030 Youth Group to engage
cooperation. Aid to the least developed countries (LDCs) was youth in sustainable development work and to challenge
0.11% of the GNI (target: 0.15–0.2 %). The Government aims to and to support current policies and practices.
direct 0.7 % of GNI to development cooperation and 0.2 % of • Strengthened support for UN agencies: The United Nations
GNI to the LDCs. A road map is to be drawn up for this purpose. Technology Innovation Lab (UNTIL) was established in
Finland has succeeded in: To enhance policy coherence, Finland in 2018 and the Global Innovation Program of
Finland has a long tradition of inter-ministerial coordination UNOPS in 2019.
and engagement of civil society, the private sector, academia • A returnable capital investment programme to address the
and other stakeholders in sustainable development work. SDG investment needs in developing countries. In 2016–
A multi-stakeholder National Commission for Sustainable 2019, EUR 530 million was channeled into loans and capital
Development has operated since 1993 under the Prime investment.
Minister’s leadership. Also, an Expert Panel of Professors and a

36
Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global
partnership for sustainable development

Civil society’s assessment

TREND: NEUTRAL

FINLAND’S CHALLENGE IS that we committed to channelling Besides professional development organizations, CSOs
0.7 per cent of GNI to development aid 50 years ago, but this based on voluntarism have the opportunity to receive support
target has only been achieved once. In addition, those living for development cooperation, but the number of organisations
in the margins remain too excluded both in Finland and in to be supported has fallen drastically.
developing countries. Meaningful participation of people with The Finnish National Commission on Sustainable
disabilities in the labour market and in societal decision-making Development promoted the implementation of the 2030
is still an exception. Sexual minorities and the unemployed Agenda and the linking of it to the national sustainable
also have not been actively included to advance sustainable development work in the 2016–2019 programme period. The
development. Commission includes representatives from ministries, political
Following the cuts in development financing, the number parties, trade and industries, municipalities and a broad
of Finland’s global partnerships has decreased, civil society selection of representatives from civil society. There is also
partnerships have been lost and national volunteering in a panel of scientific experts as well as youth delegates, who
particular has suffered. challenged and assessed the work of the National Commission
There has been a strong emphasis on private sector on Sustainable Development and the progress of the Society’s
cooperation. Private sector development actors, as any other Commitment document. In future, the voice of young people
actor using public development funds, must provide adequate who are unemployed or have disabilities must be heard.
qualitative and quantitative reporting and compliance with
common sustainable development principles. The growing
application of market terms in the promotion of sustainable Finland must
development risks leaving behind the most vulnerable. • keep its promise of increased funding for development
The input of the private sector is needed to achieve cooperation and sustainable development
sustainable development, but no individual party will be able • ensure transparency and accountability in the
to achieve the targets on their own. More can be achieved with implementation, monitoring and reporting of value-based
less input by directing the sustainable development funding partnership in private sector collaboration
more strategically and by utilising existing evaluation and • demand for sustainable development value system and
research data. human rights-based approach as prerequisites for all
Finland has succeeded in making a systematic long-term projects and funding
commitment to its development partner countries. Finland has • further emphasize diversity and broad participation in the
also made a strong commitment to rules-based operations and implementation and monitoring the progress of Sustainable
has invested internationally particularly in the development of Development Goals
tax systems. • in Government budget proposals, specify which documents
In Finland, organisations are working in particular to raise the allocation of appropriations are based on, and in the
awareness of sustainable development and globally to increase spirit of transparency, make these documents public.
the administrative competence of partner organisations.
Reinforcing the planning and reporting capacity of partners has Organisations participating in this assessment: Finnish
also increased the capabilities to recognise the linking of our Development NGOs Fingo, the Finnish Central Organisation of
own work to the Sustainable Development Goals. Trade Unions SAK, UN Association of Finland, Felm

37
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