UEF Global Development Day 2026

The UEF Global Development Day 2026 brings together policymakers, researchers, students, and partners to discuss how evidence-informed approaches, innovation and international cooperation can address global challenges and create lasting impact for sustainable development. Welcome to the event! 

The event will be streamed online on Teams from 10.00 EEST onwards

Programme

09.30-10.00 Coffee, tea and refreshments

10.00-10.05 Welcome and opening

Sami Tanskanen, Project Coordinator and Roseanna Avento, Global Development Manager, UEF

10.05-10.15 Good policy in a changing world

Anna-Kaisa Ikonen, Minister of Local and Regional Government, Ministry of Finance

10.15-10.35  Knowledge partnerships for global change

Speaker tbc

10.35-11.00 UEF 3-Minute Thesis Competition 2026

11.00-11.20 Better policy, better health

Eppu Mikkonen, Senior Specialist, Ministry of Social Affairs and Health 

11.20-11.30 Move & Recharge 

11.30-12.00 From good policy to better policy at UEF: Interactive audience session

12.00-12.15 UEF 3MT 2026 results

12.15-12.30 Closing reflections: Towards a better UEF Global Development Policy

Professor Jussi Pihlajamäki, Vice Rector for Research and Innovation, UEF 

The event will be held in English. Questions may be asked in Finnish and live captions will be available to support participation and accessibility.