Big things done, big things coming up - reflections on 2022 so far
The first half of 2022 has been very active at the Ankara Embassy. We came out of the Covid-19 with a full calendar and huge energy to a world that seems so different now. We have already achieved big things this year, and the fall season has big things comings up – let us look at the first half of 2022.
Security policy and the weakened security situation in Europe dominated the headlines and kept our diplomatic staff very busy. Despite these terrible developments, we have been able to remain active in our efforts in all fields of diplomacy, culture, and business promotion.
The first half of 2022 included four ministerial visits, several business seminars, road shows, exhibitions, lectures in universities, and three newly opened honorary consulates in Izmir, Adana, and Kayseri. In addition, 2021 was a record year in Finland-Turkey bilateral trade, growing 27% and reaching almost 2 billion EUR.
In March, Team Finland was the strategic partner for the second Circular Economy Week of Turkey. The event brought together nearly 100 expert speakers to discuss and share views on UN Sustainable Development Goals, green economy transformation, and circular economy solutions. From Finland, 20 speakers from public sector, think tanks, multinational corporations, and startups participated in various sessions throughout the week.
We have brought Türkiye and Finland closer to each other in many fields. For example, the Political School Organized by the Women’s Rights Organization Ka.der(Link to another website.) brought a delegation of Finnish political parties and NGOs to Istanbul in May. In addition, the textile artist Piia-Lotta Kallio visited the Başkent Kültür Yolu –festival in Ankara in June. We had two Mannerheim photo exhibitions in Istanbul and Alanya. In journalism, many Turkish reporters visited Finland with our assistance. Dilara Hamit participated in the Foreign Correspondents’ Programme in June, which we will cover in the coming newsletters. Learning and cultural exchange indeed is a two-way street.
During the second half of 2022, the Embassy in Ankara will continue its activities at a fast pace. At least two more Mannerheim photo exhibitions are coming up in Eskişehir and Izmir before the pictures head to China. Nordic Talks will bring business in Türkiye and the Nordics together to discuss and share best practices on sustainability. Startup event Slush in Helsinki in November will gather Turkish investors and innovators to mingle with Finnish and global counterparts. Two more Foreign Correspondents Programs in Finland will take Turkish Participants, and of course, we will continue our work with NGOs and civil society.
The biggest news are related to the following year. Thanks to a strong team effort, Türkiye has been selected as a target country for country image work 2023- 2025. That means more resources and capacity for public diplomacy, right on time for the 100th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Türkiye next year. Another successful application of our team was that we got into the Talent Boost program, which is an excellent investment in our mutual future.
As we are already planning 2023 and rolling up our sleeves for autumn. We wish to thank our partners for the excellent first half of the year. Whatever the autumn brings, our staff will be contributing to our mission.
Read more about the Feminist Association Unioni here(Link to another website.).
Read more about the Coalition of Finnish Women’s Associations NYTKIS here(Link to another website.).
Read more about the Talent Boost programme here(Link to another website.).