A Partnerships and Networking Event
UN Global Pulse, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland and the University of Helsinki will be hosting a high-level networking event on Transforming Development: AI, Innovation & Partnerships for the SDGs on Thursday, 9 October, from 17:00 to 19:00 at the University of Helsinki Main Building (Small Festive and Agora Hall, Fabianinkatu 33, 00170 Helsinki).
Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals calls for bold transformation and innovative approaches to address the world’s most pressing challenges. This Partnerships and Networking Event, as part of UN Global Pulse’s Accelerator Programme, will bring together leaders and representatives from the government, the United Nations, the private sector, academia, civil society and Finland’s vibrant innovation ecosystem to explore how partnerships and responsible AI can drive transformative change for people and planet.
The programme will feature welcoming remarks, an inspirational keynote on AI and digital transformation, a multi-sector panel discussion with industry leaders, followed by closing remarks. During the event, eight UN-led innovation teams from the latest Accelerator cohort will showcase their work, alongside networking opportunities for participants.
Speakers for the event include:
- Antti Vasara, Special Envoy, Technology, Ministry for Foreign Affairs
- Jouni Hirvonen, Vice-Rector, University of Helsinki
- Sasu Tarkoma, Dean, Faculty of Science, University of Helsinki
- Timo Harakka, Member of Parliament
- Kaisa Salakka, Illusian Founder Office
- Kristine Alanko, Senior Specialist, Interministerial AI Coordination, Ministry of Transport and Communications
- Frank Van Capelle, Head, UNICEF Office of Innovation in Finland
- Timo Pätiälä, Co-Founder, Hellon Group
- Tapio Vahtola, Head of Office, UN Global Pulse Europe
We warmly welcome your participation on Thursday, the 9th of October 2025, where you can meet UN teams from around the world and learn more about what innovation for people and planet looks like in practice.
Please register by 18th September 2025 through this link.
Kindly note that light snacks and drinks will be served.
If you have questions or would like to contact us about the event or UN Global Pulse Accelerator Programme, e-mail us at: events@unglobalpulse.org
This event is in collaboration with:
