Keyword: Finland Futures Research Centre (FFRC)

The Southern African-Nordic Centre (SANORD) is a partnership of higher education institutions from the Nordic countries and southern Africa. Its primary aim is to promote multilateral research co-operation on matters of importance to the development of both regions. The University of Turku was one of the founders of the network, which currently includes 42 members.

Environmentally, socially and economically sustainable development as well as successful climate change adaptation and mitigation can only be achieved by encouraging knowledge sharing and cooperation between different sectors and decision-makers. This year’s FFRC international futures conference focused on these important issues.

In his doctoral dissertation, Kimmo Laakso examined communications challenges associated with emergency preparedness and responses. The dissertation found much room for improvement in the way the authorities and companies respond to emergencies. The dissertation also proposed solutions. – Most of the proposed solutions require changes in operating policies and attitudes only; no major investments are needed, Laakso explains.

Mekong Region is a scene for one of the most intensive hydropower development globally. New sustainability standards for dams have become an important source of justification for the new projects but they remain highly contested. Mekong has been one of the focus regions for Finnish development cooperation. Finland has supported for example the Mekong River Commission and the Asian Development Bank. Also Finnish companies, such as Pöyry, have had an important role in the region’s hydropower development.