Socially Sustainable Finland 2020

The current aims of Finland´s social and health policy are set out in the MSAH document Socially Sustainable Finland 2020 – Strategy for Social and Health Policy as well as and in the government programme. The purpose of the strategy is to achieve a socially sustainable society in which people are treated equally, everyone has the opportunity to participate, and everyone’s health and functional capacity is supported. There are many factors that will influence how well we attain this goal, including economic trends and the pluralisation of society. All of our decisions shape the future and must be grounded in social sustainability. Finland is at the top of the field in several international studies on welfare. Work and participation will serve to lay a strong foundation for our future welfare too. It cannot be built as a system-oriented effort, and we cannot aim at just improving the average level of welfare. Social sustainability requires us to reduce the welfare and health differentials between citizens and to improve the status of the most vulnerable members of society. We have drawn up this strategy in dialogue with our interest groups and partners. Implementing the strategy requires extensive national and international cooperation, interaction and open communication. Social sustainability is both a means and an end. The three main strategic choices are: a strong foundation for welfare; access to welfare for all; a healthy and safe living environment.

Original title: Sosiaalisesti kestävä Suomi 2020

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