English

FINNISH COMPETITIVE EXCELLENCE FOR THE FUTURE

I represent the National Coalition Party, which I joined in 2003. My background is one that has primed me for the roles and responsibilities required to represent our country and the Finns in the Finnish Parliament. I am currently Managing Director of Excellence Finland, a leading association that promotes sustainable excellence and competitiveness in Finland. My professional experience also includes a solid track record in pan-European and global business (Nokia, Suunto, Vaisala etc.).

Currently I hold several positions of trust: I’m on the advisory board of Nordea, the board of directors of HOK-Elanto and the World Wildlife Foundation Finland (WWF), and am a council member of the Association for Finnish Work. I was on the board of directors of Finpro in 2008 - 2009. I am also a member in the Espoo City Council as well as the Health and Social Board of Espoo.

Beyond my experience in international trade and business, I’m the mother of four children and am passionate about issues that impact the well-being of Finnish families.

SECURING OUR CHILDRENS' FUTURES TODAY

INNOVATIONS, BALTIC SEA, CLIMATE CHANGE, HUMAN RIGHTS, TAKING CARE OF THE ELDERLY
 

I think that these are the topics that will guide us to a better future, not only for Finland, but for the world in general.

Consider this: Even 45 % of Finland’s Gross National Product comes from export trade and a nearly 60 percent of Finland’s goods and services are exported to other EU countries.

That’s just one reason why it’s so critical to maintain open borders and fluid pan-European trade. As representative for Finland, I’ll work tirelessly to ensure that we have better access to the energy and raw materials that fuel growth. And I will also advocate for a stronger collaboration across EU member nations when it comes to efforts that impact sustainability and the environment.

Having spent my career in various demanding international roles, I’m well aware of the true meaning of the phrase “work life balance.” As the mother of four children, I know first hand the challenges that arrive when blending work and family life. As a member of the Espoo City Council and the vice-chairman of the Social and Healthcare Committee, my major focus has been in improving the lives of our children. My passion for improving the well-being of children and their families will continue.

Thanks to the strength of our educational system, we are raising the future leaders and innovators of Finland and Europe. My aim is to continue to support the backbone of our economic success: our children.

• Speaks five languages
• Four children
• Two decades leadership experience

ABOUT FINLAND'S PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS ON THE 17TH OF ARPIL, 2011

I have been actively doing my campaign since autumn 2010. As part of my campaign I have met a lot of people not only in Finland, but also abroad. For example, I visited "Costa del Sol" in Spain. During my 4-day visit I met many Finns who are living there permanently.

As part of my campaign, I have also had a chance to get to know Sweden's Prime Minister, Fredrik Reinfeldt, who visited Finland on Monday the 11th of April. Reinfeldt had been invited in Finland by Jyrki Katainen, who is Finland's Finance Minister and Chairman of The National Coalition Party. 

I had the pleasure of chairing a seminar, which both Reinfeldt and Katainen attended. The seminar was about one of the most important issues in today's Finland.  How to promote wellbeing at work, how to promote work ability and how to promote especially the elderly employees’ willingness to continue in working life. 

e-mail: pia@piakauma.fi