HELSINKI, 23 September 2022 – The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s Special Representative on Digital Agenda, Romanian Senator Radu-Mihai Mihail, yesterday held several meetings in Helsinki, focused on Finland’s digitalization process, the government’s current agenda and future challenges.
Special Representative Mihail at the Digital and Population Data Service Agency, Helsinki, 22 September 2022He held meetings with the management board of the Digital and Population Data Service Agency, the Director of the Information Policy Unit Maarit Huotari at the Public Sector ICT Department of the Ministry of Finance, the Director of Unit Sampsa Nissinen and Co-ordinator of the Artificial Intelligence 4.0 programme Kristine Alanko at the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment.
“Finland’s digital transformation is impressive and sets an example for all other countries,” said Mihail. “It shows us also how the political support for digital transformation and collaboration between consecutive governments and decision-making bodies is crucial for a successful and sustainable digital path.”
Mihail discussed with interlocutors Finland’s successful digital transformation over recent years and the government’s programmes to increase the technological and digitalization capabilities of the public and private sectors. Discussions focused on how Finland became in 2022 the most digital country in the EU, according to the Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI) from the European Commission. Advanced digital skills of its citizens, integration of digital technology and improved digital public services were revealed as the driving forces for the country’s progress.
Discussions also focused on the impact of digitalization on the economic development of the country which made Finland attractive for large foreign investments. Mihail described as unique the Finnish digitalization programme which also aims to ensure that digital support serves business operators, and especially SMEs.
Special Representative Mihail with the Public Sector ICT Department of the Ministry of Finance, Helsinki, 22 September 2022Mihail, who serves as Head of the Romanian Delegation to the OSCE PA, shared with the interlocutors Romania’s and other OSCE countries’ experience in these fields. Exchanges also touched upon cybersecurity policies and on the advanced Artificial Intelligence programme that aims for a clean, efficient, and digital Finnish industry in 2030.
“Only through co-operation between countries we can demystify digitalization and new technologies and promote them as enablers for sustainable development,” Mihail said. “In this regard, I am looking forward to visiting other OSCE countries and share experiences and lessons learned.”
Mihail’s visit to Helsinki continues today with his participation in the Call for Action – Helsinki + 50 seminar “The Role of the OSCE and its Parliamentary Assembly in the Changing European Security Architecture” hosted by the Parliament of Finland.
