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Building competitive advantage with DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion)

Thursday 19.3

11:00 12:30

Art Hall

Building Growth Through Diversity

The Energy Week Workforce Seminar will focus on supporting companies in building diverse and inclusive teams, with a particular emphasis on encouraging the use of international talent.

The seminar aims to raise awareness among employers about the tangible business benefits of diverse work communities. These include enhanced innovation, improved competitiveness, and greater growth potential.

Through inspiring examples and expert insights, the seminar will highlight how diversity in the workplace is not just a value—but a strategic advantage. Join us to explore how international and multicultural teams can drive success in the energy sector and beyond.

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Embracing Diversity in Finnish Workplaces

Lukumanu Iddrisu

Municipal Councilor,

City of Vaasa

11:00 11:05

Opening Words

Lukumanu Iddrisu

Municipal Councilor,

City of Vaasa

11:05 11:20

Insights from Business Finland: Cultural Diversity as a Strategic Advantage in 2025

Regina Ainla

Manager, Talent Boost Network & Diversity, Work in Finland Unit,

Business Finland

11:20 11:35

Driving Business Development and Impact Through Social Sustainability

Aušrinė Šilenskytė

Assistant Professor of International Strategic Management, DEI4SME Project leader, Ambassador for Internationalization, School of Management, University of Vaasa

11:35 11:50

Why Inclusion Isn’t Rocket Science: Lessons From Our Company Case

Benjamin Slotte

CEO, Vaasan Korttelihuolto Oy

11:50 12:20

Panel Discussion

Emine Karakan

Head of Work in Finland and Integration, KEHA Centre

Devendra Jayawardane

Doctoral Researcher, University of Vaasa (Sustainable Careers of Skilled Migrants from Career Ecosystem Perspective)

University of Vaasa

Tuomas Saikkonen

CEO,

VILPE

Kaj Sundén

CEO, Finvacon

12:20 12:30

Questions From the Audience & Closing Remarks

For more information

Maria Haglund

Project Manager, skilled workforce

Vaasa Region Development Company VASEK

maria.haglund@vasek.fi

+358 50 5760 888

Mari Kattelus

Marketing Manager

Vaasa Region Development Company VASEK

mari.kattelus@vasek.fi

+358 400 681 048

Elina Lehtinen

Specialist, company services

Ostrobothnia Employment Services

elina.lehtinen@vaasa.fi

Kartik Sharma

Project Planner

VAMK University of Applied Sciences

kartik.sharma@vamk.fi

Aleksi Koivisto

Training and Member Service Manager

Ostrobothnia Chamber of Commerce

aleksi.koivisto@chamber.fi

Organizers

vasek logo

pohjanmaan kauppakamari logo

VAMK logo