Director of Public Affairs Mikko Myllymäki aims to strengthen the region’s collective voice and influence, both in Finland and at the EU level
In September, Mikko Myllymäki started as Director of Public Affairs at the Helsinki-Uusimaa Regional Council. He sees diversity, strong expertise and innovation as the region’s key strengths.
Director of Public Affairs heads the new Public Affairs unit, which is responsible for the region’s advocacy, coordination of international affairs and communications. Myllymäki has previously worked in the pharmaceutical industry as Sales and Marketing Manager at Vitabalans Oy, and at Ellun Kanat in public affairs, advocacy communications, branding and marketing. Public affairs have been his passion since his student days.
– As a social scientist, societal matters have always been close to my heart. It’s inspiring to work for an organisation that has real impact and operates in Finland’s leading region. The opportunity to further develop our work and strengthen the region’s profile is also a strong source of motivation, says Myllymäki.
A united voice carries more weight
One of the most significant issues currently on the Director’s desk is the European Union’s upcoming Multiannual Financial Framework. For Helsinki-Uusimaa, it is essential to have a say in the outcome. There are several strong and promising transport projects in Helsinki-Uusimaa, and according to Myllymäki, it is important that at least some of them are launched.
He stresses the importance of Helsinki-Uusimaa speaking with a more united voice, especially when influencing policy at the EU level.
– Clear shared goals and messages help highlight projects of regional and national importance, including at the European level. The Helsinki-Uusimaa Regional Council plays a key role in advocating for the region’s interests and strengthening its voice on international arenas.
He also points to the region’s high level of expertise.
– There is strong demand for the expertise found in the municipalities and within the Regional Council, from ministries, within politics and among other stakeholders. This shows the impact of the work.
Innovation and growth create future opportunities
Myllymäki points out diversity as one of Helsinki-Uusimaa’s greatest strengths. The large cities, together with the medium-sized and smaller municipalities, form a whole that provides diverse perspectives and opportunities.
In addition, the region stands out for its capacity to innovate. Companies, educational institutions, research communities and municipalities invest in development and new solutions. He says the region has the ability to develop innovations that make a difference and have commercial potential also internationally.
– Helsinki-Uusimaa has a bright future ahead, but it will take hard work and smart decisions to get there. Even though Finland’s growth has been sluggish and the public debate lately has been dominated by negativity, I prefer to look ahead and focus on solutions that can put Finland back on a growth path. The greatest potential is here in Helsinki-Uusimaa, and that makes our work especially important, he stresses.
Growth brings challenges, but Myllymäki sees them primarily as opportunities. As cities and regions grow, development has to keep pace. This calls for better solutions and for being a frontrunner in many areas. Immigration is part of a development in which Helsinki-Uusimaa is at the forefront, creating solutions that will shape Finland’s future.
– We have every opportunity in our hands. Helsinki-Uusimaa has enormous potential. Now is the time to turn that potential into added value – through good cooperation. That is also our vision in this work.
For more information, please contact:
Mikko Myllymäki
Director of Public Affairs
mikko.myllymaki@uudenmaanliitto.fi
In charge of communications, promotion of interests and international affairs.
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