Building the future together through dialogue at the House of Many Voices

Insights|August 30, 2024

At this year’s second “House of Many Voices,” the atmosphere was charged with energy as speakers led discursive, engaging talks that sparked conversations, laughter, and thoughtful questions. The event, centered around the theme “Nordic horizons – Where are we ten years from now,” brought together some of the leading minds in various fields, sharing insights that were both fascinating and relevant to today’s rapidly changing world.

Among the many discussions, Annamari Arrakoski-Engardt and Pasi Vainikka offered a thought-provoking perspective on the future of food. They highlighted a significant shift on the horizon: while energy consumption is currently split 70–30 between energy and food production, this ratio is expected to flip in the next 20 years. This conversation underscored the evolving dynamics between energy use and food security, challenging us to rethink our approaches for the future.

The Norwegian Ambassador to Finland, Wegger Chr. Strømmen, addressed the pressing issue of the declining presence of youth and questioned why today’s younger generation isn’t demonstrating as actively as past generations did. Reflecting on his generation, which was often characterized by youthful anger, he left us with the poignant question of how far anger can go before it turns destructive.

The future of education was also a key topic, with Eija Hakakari and Fredrik Hillelson discussing the increasing need for modular learning. They also explained why “job-hopping” is no longer viewed negatively, suggesting that flexibility and adaptability are becoming essential skills in today’s workforce.

Creativity and leadership were explored by Aleksi Lehtonen and Riitta Hari, who brought new dimensions to the conversation. Aleksi discussed the holistic approach of engaging hands, heads, and hearts in leadership, while Riitta added the importance of the mind to this mix. She also introduced the French concept of “bricolage,” where innovation doesn’t require everything to be new. Instead, it encourages using existing resources in creative ways to generate new ideas.

These discussions were just a few of the many that made the evening rich in diverse perspectives. House of Many Voices continues to be a platform where different viewpoints come together to create something truly special. By sharing knowledge, we can unlock new ideas, drive meaningful change, and build stronger, more resilient communities and organizations.

Stay tuned for more articles and insights from the event as we dive deeper into these critical conversations. Let’s keep listening, learning, and growing together, ensuring that every voice is heard, valued, and empowered to contribute to our shared success.

Thank you to all our speakers and guests for making this evening of important conversations and heartfelt encounters possible!

Check out the previous events:

House of Many Voices 2024 – A magical night of inspiring talks and encounters

R Season Starter: A House of Many Voices, filled with knowledge sharing and engagement