MFA: Finland to chair the Freedom Online Coalition in 2021

Wide and equal access to electronic information networks is essential for both democratic and economic development. However, the majority of the world's population do not have access to the internet. Reducing the digital divide can help to strengthen both the open internet and people's democratic participation.

One of the priorities during Finland's term as FOC Coalition Chair will be to support the operation of the open internet as a part of sustainable development especially in Africa.

To mark the start of the chairmanship, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the Finnish Internet Forum (FIF) will co-organise a virtual seminar entitled Free, open and safe internet to all. The event will be held on the international Human Rights Day, Thursday 10 December.

The themes of discussion will be universal access to the internet and the priorities of the Finnish Coalition Chair in 2021. More information about the speakers and programme will be available on the website of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. The language of the event will be Finnish.

A live webcast of the seminar can be accessed at FIF website (the link cannot be accessed until on the date of the event).

Additionally, internet dependency and digital addiction as well as their impact especially on children will be discussed at an event entitled Digital dilemma – Expert panel on what do we really know about internet addiction and other threats to children, which will be held on Wednesday 16 December 2020 at 10.00–13.00.

The language of the event will be English, and it will be co-organised by the Finnish Internet Forum and Save the Children Finland. More information about the event will be available on the Foreign Ministry's website.

A live webcast of the event will be available at FIF website (the link cannot be accessed until on the date of the event).

Inquiries: Juuso Moisander, Commercial Counsellor, tel. +358 295 350 709.

The email addresses of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs are in the format firstname.lastname@formin.fi