Opening Celebration of Finland’s New Office Premises in New York

Consulate General of Finland and the Permanent Mission of Finland to the UN hosted a celebration for their new office premises on Wednesday, September 26th 2018. In addition to the employees, dignitaries and representatives from companies and associations joined the celebration.

Manu Virtamo puhe
The Consul General Manu Virtamo welcomed guests to the celebration.

Consulate General of Finland and the Permanent Mission of Finland to the UN moved to their new, shared office premises in July 2018. New premises were officially opened during the UN General Assembly Week at the end of September. Dignitaries such as President Sauli Niinistö, Foreign Minister Timo Soini, Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Anne-Mari Virolainen, Minister of Social Affairs and Health Pirkko Mattila, and former President Tarja Halonen participated the celebration together with over 100 other guests. 

Kai Sauer puhe ja ministerit ja Halonen
In his speech, Permanent Representative of Finland to the UN Kai Sauer talked about the ongoing UN General Assembly and expressed his thanks to the colleagues.
Sauli Niinistö
President of Republic of Finland Sauli Niinistö.

President Sauli Niinistö gave an opening speech in which he emphasized the importance of shared office premises and cooperation between the Consulate General and the Permanent Mission of Finland to the UN. He also acknowledged the employees who have worked hard for the benefit of Finland. In the end, President Niinistö made a toast and declared the new office premises open.

Vieraat 1

After the opening speeches, the guests had a chance to get to know each other and enjoy Finnish delicacies.

Vieraat 2, Vieraat 2
New premises offered a great space for networking.

Moving to the 35th floor of the office building brought the office in the middle of (and above) New York City. The new office premises represent Finland’s characteristics and values and thus they offer an excellent space for hosting events and marketing Finland in the USA. Shared premises also enable better cooperation between the Consulate General and the Permanent Mission of Finland to the UN. More information about the premises can be found on a previously published article(Link to another website.).

Ikkunamaisema
Guests and employees were both amazed by the great office views.
Alkupalat
Finnish appetizers, such as cream puffs, rye crisps, Karelian pastries and Finnish brownies were served at the celebration.

Consulate General of Finland did several posts from the office opening to its social media accounts (Facebook: Consulate General of Finland in New York, Instagram: FinlandNewYork, Twitter: FinlandNY) with a hashtag #FINYopening.