Finnish Junior Chamber International (JCI) received recognition in various categories at the JCI European Conference, the annual continental gathering of young chamber organizations in Europe. The awards were presented on May 27, 2023, in Bucharest, Romania.
"The shower of awards confirms that we are engaged in impactful activities. We owe this success to every Finnish Junior Chamber member for their outstanding work," exclaimed Taru Mikkonen, the National President of Finland's Junior Chambers.
The Finnish Junior Chambers secured two national-level project category awards. The "Leadership Barometer" won the Best National Flagship Program category. This project examined how young people perceive leadership in today's companies, the type of leadership they desire, and the leadership and organizational models that can lead Finnish companies to global success in the future. The Leadership Barometer was carried out by the Finnish Junior Chambers, the TYÖ2030 program, and the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health.
The second national-level category victory was achieved by the "Youth Financial Literacy" project in the Best National Growth & Development Program category. The project aimed to increase young adults' awareness of responsible financial management, personal financial organization, and foster a new generation of responsible consumers. The project was implemented in over 30 locations and gained visibility, including at the SuomiAreena event.
In the individual award categories, Malviina Metsänvirta from Rauman Junior Chamber won the Most Outstanding New Member award. Despite being in her first year of involvement, she demonstrated remarkable dedication and set a positive example for the entire organization. The winners of national and individual awards will progress as European candidates for the corresponding global-level award categories, with the winners being honored at the World Congress in Zurich from November 14 to 18, 2023.
In the local chamber project categories, Finland achieved three victories. The Järvenpää Junior Chamber won the Best Local Growth & Development Program category with their "Tuusulanjärvi Rundi" board game project, which enhanced the local community and chamber's activities. The Lappeenranta Junior Chamber won the Best Local Individual Development Program category with their "From Beginner to Money Guru" investment event aimed at young people. The Oulu Junior Chamber won the Best Inter-organization Collaboration Project category with their "Arvoseminaari" project, an annual event focused on responsibility and value-based leadership.
In addition to these victories, Finland secured top-three placements on seven occasions and emerged as the most awarded country in Europe overall. The following achievements were notable:
- Most Outstanding Member: Heidi Lehto (JCI Cosmopolis, Helsinki)
- Best Local Growth & Development Program: JCI Siilinjärvi 2.0 (Siilinjärvi Junior Chamber)
- Best Local JCI RISE Project: "Maalaismimmit" Podcast (Keurusselkä Junior Chamber) and "SiksesFiin" Gala Concept (Rauman Junior Chamber)
- Best International Cooperation Project: Support Group for English-Speaking Chambers (JCI Cosmopolis, Helsinki)
- Best Inter-organization Collaboration Project: "Turun Kehittäjä" (Turun Junior Chamber)
- Most Outstanding Local Project: "Tuusulanjärven Rundi" (Järvenpää Junior Chamber), selected as the best project among all project categories.
The outstanding achievements of Finnish Junior Chamber International highlight the dedication and excellence of its members in driving positive change and impactful projects. These accomplishments pave the way for continued success and recognition at the global level, further enhancing Finland's reputation as a leader in youth engagement and development.
HT
