Programme

The programme is mainly provided in Finnish, excluding the Research Seminar.
Read the whole programme here.

The Research Seminar, 4 May 2023

Åbo Akademin Arken, Tehtaankatu 2

At 3pm – 5pm

“Civil participation in local decision-making on fundamental and human rights issues”

The Research Seminar challenges us to think about participation in local decision-making outside the election context, in particular on issues affecting the fundamental and human rights of local inhabitants. It provides both theoretical and practical perspectives on civil participation, using the examples of a European human rights city and the Finnish context.

Opening words
Professor Elina Pirjatanniemi, Director of the Institute for Human Rights, Åbo Akademi University  

“Civil participation models in the human rights city of York”
Professor Paul Gready, Co-Director of the Centre for Applied Human Rights, University of York

“Civil participation in the Finnish Local Government Act and the European Charter of Local Self-Government”
Professor Markku Suksi, Åbo Akademi University

Discussion

“Ensuring the participation of persons with disabilities in local decision-making”
Dr. Elisabeth Hästbacka, Accessibility Coordinator, City of Vaasa

“Deliberative mini-publics and other new forms of civil participation in local democracy”
Dr. Maija Jäske, Postdoctoral Researcher, Åbo Akademi University; Advisor, Sitra 

Discussion