News
| 03.02.2022

Global network introduced in Finland by Hanken employees nominated for Nobel Peace Prize

Tre studenter sitter vid en dator och pekar på skärmen
The global network Junior Achievement Worldwide has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. "It is truly wonderful that the role entrepreneurship plays in fostering a positive, peaceful society is being highlighted in such a way," says Christina Dahlblom, chairman of the network's Finnish member federation and Professor of Practice at Hanken.

Reasons given for the Nobel nomination include the network's efforts on a global scale. For centuries, unemployment and poverty have led to political instability, violence, and war. By economically empowering youth on all continents, even during this pandemic, the network serves a conduit for peace.

The outreach network was introduced in Finland by three Hanken employees: by then professor, Guje Sevón, project manager Bo-Magnus Salenius and research student Kim Nordström. The first pilot programmes were conducted in 1995 at two high schools in Loviisa.

The registered association Junior Achievement Finland was finally founded in 2002 by Hanken and the then Helsinki School of Economics, i.e. what is now Aalto University, Suomen Yrittäjät, and Jobs and Society, now known as Suomen Uusyrityskeskukset.

School plays key role

Junior Achievement Finland offers programs fostering children's and young people's entrepreneurship, working-life skills and financial literacy, from preschool to tertiary level. Its main offering are the programmes Little Entrepreneurs at primary school, and A Year as an Entrepreneur as part of secondary school and at some tertiary institutions.

Hanken is still a member of Junior Achievement Finland, and has, among other things, accepted a student on the basis of special qualifications through the program A Year as an Entrepreneur.

Last year, the association reached about 40 percent of Finnish schools; the goal is to reach 80 percent by 2025.

"Our outreach importantly needs to take place through the school system, because it needs to be egalitarian and reach out to everyone, not just those who are already highly active. Often, young people who are struggling with school and rote-learning can suddenly discover they have a real aptitude. We want to lower the threshold for entrepreneurship, but of course, not everyone ends up starting a business. The important thing is to continue to have an enterprising attitude towards life, then you do better both academically and in your career," adds Dahlblom.

The Nobel nomination is obviously fantastic news for the association and the more than 30 people working for Junior Achievement Finland.

"I'm so happy for our staff and all the people and organizations involved! Most of them are incredibly dedicated and really passionate about building an enterprising society through young people. It`s super nice that their work is being recognized," says Dahlblom.