Seminar on Integration Challenges for Russian-Speaking Residents in Finland

The Multinational Migrants project's seminar focused on the integration challenges faced by Russian-speaking residents in Finland. This insightful event, held on March 6, 2024, brought together scholars, practitioners, and representatives from various sectors to discuss the complex issues surrounding integration.

Seminar Overview

Title: Russian-Speaking Residents of Finland at the Times of Change: Challenges, Barriers, and Resources of Their Integration in Finland

Organizers:

Dr Anna Sjödal, Minority Research Profile, Åbo Akademi

Dr Larisa Kangaspuro, Centre for Nordic Studies, University of Helsinki

This seminar was particularly relevant to our project as it addressed the integration of a significant minority group in Finland, examining how recent socio-political changes have affected their lives and integration processes.

Key Themes and Objectives

The seminar focused on the integration challenges, barriers, and resources for Russian-speaking residents, who form the second-largest language minority in Finland. Key topics included:

  • Understanding how integration is perceived by various actors, including state/public sector, third sector, and foreign-background residents.
  • Identifying major challenges and resources for integration.
  • Discussing recent and anticipated changes in integration policies and their implications for Finnish society.

Featured Presentations

The seminar featured several notable presentations, providing diverse perspectives on the integration of Russian-speaking residents:

Dr Elena Bogdanova, University of Helsinki: "Sensing as a Refugee: Vulnerable Bodies on the Move"

Dr Daria Krivonos, CEREN, University of Helsinki: "Life-breaking and Life-making: Social Reproduction and Survival in Times of Collapse"

Dr Larisa Kangaspuro, University of Helsinki: "Post-Soviet Immigration in the Wake of the Russian Invasion of Ukraine and Its Repercussions for the Finnish Immigration Policies"

Dr Larisa Shpakovskaya, University of Helsinki, CoE on Ageing and Care: "Russian Older Men in Finland"

NGO and Third Sector Contributions

The seminar also included presentations by NGOs and third-sector organizations, highlighting practical efforts and initiatives to support the integration of foreign-background residents. These sessions were crucial for understanding the on-ground realities and collaborative efforts in the integration process.

Round-Table Discussion

A round-table discussion provided a platform for participants to engage in a deeper dialogue about the issues at hand, fostering an exchange of ideas and experiences. This collaborative approach aimed to develop more nuanced insights and facilitate future networking and cooperation among stakeholders.

Networking Opportunities

The seminar concluded with a dinner, allowing participants to continue their discussions in a more informal setting. These networking opportunities were invaluable for building relationships and promoting ongoing collaboration.

Special Acknowledgment

We extend our special thanks to Dr Anna Sjödal and Minority Research Profile, Åbo Akademi. Her efforts were instrumental in creating a productive environment for knowledge exchange and highlighting the relevance of integration challenges within our broader project goals.

This seminar underscored the importance of understanding and addressing the integration needs of Russian-speaking residents in Finland, contributing significantly to our project's mission of promoting adaptation and integration in the Nordic and Baltic regions.

Stay tuned for more updates and insights from our ongoing initiatives aimed at supporting migrant communities in the Nordic and Baltic countries.

The Multinational Migrants: Ways of Adaptation in the Nordic and Baltic Countries project