Recording: Finland's Approach to Comprehensive Security


The seminar showcased Finland as a security provider and explore lessons we have learned over the past years and what our partner countries may be able to learn from the Finnish experience.

Watch the recording


The concept of comprehensive security is a Finnish model of cross-governmental preparedness, whereby authorities, businesses, NGOs, and citizens are jointly responsible for safeguarding the society’s vital functions. The concept aims to enable Finnish society to mobilise resources rapidly, recover quickly and adapt its functions based on the lessons learned, in all types of crises. The seminar showcased Finland as a security provider and explored what can be learnt from the Finnish experience.

Opening remarks by RUSI and HE Ambassador of Finland Jukka Siukosaari

Panel discussion  

Speakers:

  • Keynote speech: ‘The Finnish concept of Comprehensive Security’ by Petteri Korvala, Colonel, Secretary General, Secretariat of the Security Committee, Ministry of Defence of Finland
  • Markku Viitasaari, Brigadier General, Director of the National Defence Unit, Ministry of Defence of Finland: ‘Total Defence – a part of comprehensive security’
  • Comment by Air Chief Marshal The Lord Peach, President Reserve Forces and Cadet Association
  • Anne-Mari Virolainen, Managing Director of Pharma Industry Finland (PIF) and former Minister for Foreign Trade: ‘Preparedness and security of supply – the view from industry’
  • Comment by Paul Williams, Commissioner, UK National Preparedness Commission, President – EIS Council

Chair: Elisabeth Braw, Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council's Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security and columnist with Foreign Policy and Politico



Footnotes


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