Strategic Forum

The Strategic Forum 2026 brought together leaders from business, government, diplomacy, technology and entrepreneurship to explore a common question: How do we turn Finnish strengths into global growth and lasting partnerships? 
 
With a Keynote delivered by Admiral James A. Winnefeld Jr. we explored strategic thinking and preparedness in a changing security environment. 

Ambassador Leena-Kaisa Mikkola and Ambassador and Consul General Miia Rantanen highlighted Finland’s capabilities and the decades of relationships that underpin the Finland–U.S. partnership and Finland’s long-standing presence in New York and relationships built over decades. We began by exploring what Finland brings to the U.S.: world-class capabilities in maritime technology, the bioeconomy, digital connectivity, space, critical minerals, defense and nuclear solutions and the opportunity to build stronger transatlantic partnerships around them.

Helen Mets of Ahlstrom, Massimo Reynaudo of UPM and Susan Duinhoven of Fiskars Group, moderated by Kauko Storbacka of PwC Finland, brought the corporate perspective: how companies with deep Finnish roots transform, enter new markets and create new sources of value. The right approach varies by market but people, capabilities and local presence are key.

The Helsinki–New York Growth Corridor conversation with Ambassador Consul General Miia Rantanen, Marja-Leena Rinkineva of Business Helsinki, Justin Kreamer of New York City Economic Development Corporation and Alexander Ehrnrooth of Virala Oy Ab explored how cities, companies and ecosystems can create a genuine two-way highway for innovation and growth, connecting companies, talent, technology, testbeds, accelerators and investment in both directions.

Our Landing, Learning & Scaling in the U.S. panel with Tuomas Saikkonen of VILPE, Joni Lukkaroinen of Ductor Corp., Katja Lindy-Wilkinson of Picote Solutions and Sampo Parkkinen of Revieve moderated by Matti Suokko brought candid lessons from the U.S. market.

Nordic Quantum Edge, with Sauli Sinisalo of Bluefors, Jan Goetz of IQM Quantum Computers, Jussi-Pekka Penttinen Vexlum and Robert Rowe of Citi, took us firmly into the future where Nordic research, technology and trusted collaboration can become global advantage.

Thank you to Minister Joakim Strand and Casimir Lindholm Meyer Turku for joining us and adding their perspectives to the conversation on Finland’s global competitiveness, partnerships and growth and how we tell our story.

Kati Aho and Anne Tseng shared a trailer for Dear Iria, their upcoming feature documentary on Finnish-born New York artist Iria Leino, and spoke about the project itself. A reminder that Finnish stories reach far beyond business, and that culture is part of what makes this transatlantic bridge so rich. 

Finland’s opportunity is to actively build the partnerships, capabilities and local presence that turn Finnish innovation into global growth. 
 
A warm thank you to all our speakers, panelists, moderators, distinguished guests, sponsors, partners and wonderful audience and to the FACC-NY Board, Advisory Board and Team for making the day possible. Finally, thank you Scandinavia House for hosting us! 
 
The Strategic Forum was made possible by Citi, Fazer, Finnair, Helsingin Kaupunki, PwC, Sullivan & Worcester, and Team Kentucky. Another thank you to The Finnish Long Drink Company, kukkula Wines, Fazer, and Valio for contributing with your products.