Helsingin Sanomat publishes an article on Gofore based on leaked internal discussions and materials

Ethical assessment and discussion of bid projects at Gofore 

As part of Gofore’s bid project due diligence process, an ethical assessment is carried out when necessary. Such an assessment is conducted whenever certain criteria are met or when a Gofore employee raises ethical concerns. The assessment is carried out by the Ethics Desk, established in 2022 and led by Gofore’s Head of Sustainability. The assessment is based on the information available at the time and may be supplemented as additional information becomes available. As is typical in due diligence processes, the assessment also seeks to consider various speculative risk scenarios. The outcome of the ethical assessment is a recommendation, which constitutes one perspective in the overall decision-making process alongside, for example, legal and business-related risks. 

The contents of ethical assessments and discussions are always internal and confidential 

All information related to customers – including internal ethical assessments and discussions – is always confidential and must not be shared with external parties, nor do we discuss such matters publicly. Based on the information received from Helsingin Sanomat’s editorial team and Gofore’s own assessment, information classified as trade secrets has been unlawfully disclosed to the media. In addition, confidentiality obligations may have been breached in a manner punishable under criminal law. Gofore will submit the matter for assessment by the police. 

Open and sometimes critical discussion  

An open and sometimes critical internal discussion across internal channels between employees and management has always been – and continues to be – an integral part of Gofore’s culture. Today, the Gofore Group is an international and growing community of nearly 1,900 people. Within such a group, a wide range of opinions and perspectives naturally exists. Actively seeking opinions, listening to arguments from different sides, and tolerating and valuing differing views and even disagreements are an essential part of our corporate culture and values. 

Cooperation between the Finnish Government and the United Arab Emirates 

There is a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in place between the Finnish Government and the United Arab Emirates concerning cooperation and the exchange of information in the development and modernisation of public administration, with a particular focus on public sector digitalisation, artificial intelligence, and public innovation. This signed and public MoU is related to the meeting of state leaderships in March 2025, previously communicated by the Finnish Government. The internal ethical assessment discussed in the article, as well as the still ongoing decision-making process at Gofore, relate to the possibility of being part of this cooperation. 

Background: Supporting the digital transformation of societies outside Europe 

For more than 15 years, Gofore’s mission has been to build digital societies. While many have contributed to this work in Finland, our role in developing the digital foundations of Finnish society has been significant. We are proud of this work, as we believe digitalisation to be a key driver of societal modernisation and positive impact. We seek to take this Finnish expertise forward internationally as well, and many countries have shown strong interest particularly in Finland’s know-how in digital public services and public-sector digital transformation. 

The United Arab Emirates is, in many respects, very different from Finnish society. While Gofore’s business focus lies primarily in Finland and German-speaking Europe, our broader ambition is to contribute to the modernisation of different societies and the development of digital public services. This can only be achieved through cooperation with local public authorities. 

More information:  

Mikael Nylund, CEO, Gofore Plc 
t. +358 40 540 2280  
mikael.nylund@gofore.com