Educa 2026 publishes its programme -party leaders to take part in major values debate
Educa 2026, the leading education and teaching sector event in the Nordic region, will examine the future of education in Finland from a wide range of perspectives. The event’s theme, The Right to the Joy of Teaching and Learning, highlights issues such as the wellbeing of children and young people, the importance of recognising diversity, and the need to support learning in a changing society. Saturday’s programme will culminate in a major values debate featuring the leaders of Finland’s political parties, who will outline future directions for education and Finnish society. Educa will take place at Messukeskus Helsinki on 23–24 January 2026.
Educa 2026 brings together education professionals, researchers, policymakers and social influencers at Messukeskus to discuss the future of education in Finland. The programme, published today, emphasises themes such as promoting equality and diversity, improving wellbeing, strengthening collective responsibility and supporting effective pedagogy. The event also features several noteworthy keynote speakers sharing their personal stories related to diversity. The high-quality lecture programme, free of charge for visitors, is curated by the Trade Union of Education in Finland (OAJ).
“Learning forms the foundation of wellbeing for every individual and for Finland as a whole. It does not happen on its own, but requires effort from learners and strong professional expertise from teachers. Together, learning and teaching build the future of a communal, thriving and successful Finland. I look forward in particular to the party leaders’ and economists’ discussions on the value and significance of education, learning and the teaching profession,” says Katarina Murto, President of OAJ.
Programme Highlights for Educa 2026
Educa’s extensive programme runs from morning to evening across several stages during the two-day event. The event offers a broad range of professional development sessions for early childhood education and teaching professionals. Highlights include:
FRIDAY 23 January 2026
11:00
Educa 2026 Publishes Its Programme Party Leaders to Take Part in Major Values Debate
Opening remarks by OAJ President Katarina Murto and Prime Minister Petteri Orpo
13:30
The Gifted Learner in School
Professor Kirsi Tirri, University of Helsinki
14:00
Why Do Humans Need Each Other?
Professor of Education Nina Junttila, University of Turku
SATURDAY 24 January 2026
10:45
The Joy of Teaching and Learning – Peltsi and Osmo’s Story
Journalist Mikko “Peltsi” Peltola
11:45
Guts, Sibelius and Education – The Party Leaders’ Major Values Debate
Participants: Anders Adlercreutz (RKP), Karoliina Partanen (National Coalition Party), Simo Grönroos (Finns Party), Sari Essayah (Christian Democrats), Nasima Razmyar (SDP), Antti Kaikkonen (Centre Party), Sofia Virta (Greens), Minja Koskela (Left Alliance) and Harry Harkimo (Liike Nyt).
Opening remarks: Katarina Murto, OAJ
Moderator: Journalist Eeva Lehtimäki
The discussion can also be followed remotely via live stream. Media representatives may relay the broadcast through their own channels.
More information: heikki.polonen@oaj.fi
14:30
Who Among Us Is Normal?
Henri Hyppönen, Writer, Thinker, Strategist and Creative Director
Explore the full programme: www.educamessut.fi
Media contacts and interview requests:
Minna Korpimies, Marketing & Communications Specialist, Messukeskus Helsinki
Tel. +358 50 387 7325, ext-minna.korpimies@messukeskus.com
Accreditation for Educa:
https://www.messukeskus.com/medialle/akkreditointi/
Educa, the leading professional training event for the education and teaching sector in the Nordic countries, will be held at Messukeskus Helsinki on 23–24 January 2026. Educa is jointly organised by the Trade Union of Education in Finland (OAJ) and Messukeskus Helsinki. The programme is produced by OAJ in cooperation with the Finnish National Agency for Education, the Finnish Principals’ Association, Opsia, Pedagogical Teacher Associations, the Swedish-Speaking Teachers of Finland (FSL), and the Finnish Student Teachers’ Union (SOOL). | educamessut.fi | #educa2026 #educamessut
