The Finnish institute in Budapest has appointed Eero Yrjö-Koskinen as its new Director from February 1st, 2021. He will succeed Cita Högnabba-Lumikero, who has been leading the institute since 2015. Yrjö-Koskinen has been appointed for an initial three years, which may be extended by another two years.

The appointment was made by the FinnAgora Foundation, which has representatives from Finnish municipalities, universities, ministries, culture, civil society and corporate sector. The chairman of FinnAgora is Metropolitan Ambrosius.

“I am truly excited about this appointment, as the institute in Budapest promotes cooperation in Hungary in multiple sectors, including art, science, economy and civil society. My own background could be useful in strengthening collaboration in these fields between Finland and Hungary,” says Eero Yrjö-Koskinen.

“The new Director has ample experience from leading environmental NGOs and operating in domestic and international organisations. This is highly appreciated as we would like to strengthen our activities in other fields as well apart from art and culture,” comments Metropolitan Ambrosius, chairman of the FinnAgora Foundation.

Yrjö-Koskinen has previously worked at the European Parliament and the United Nations, led the biggest environmental civil society organization in Finland, coordinated the activities of the Finnish Network for Sustainable Mining and managed Green Budget Europe, a European think tank promoting energy transition and low-carbon economy. He is currently working at the Finnish Chamber of Commerce, developing new standards and training on carbon neutrality, human rights and social responsibility to the Finnish business sector.

Yrjö-Koskinen has a Master’s degree from social sciences. He is married and a member of the City Council in his hometown Riihimäki.

Further information:

 

-          Eero Yrjö-Koskinen, new Director of the Finnish institute in Budapest as from February 1st, 2021, tel: +358 50 347 8778

-          Mikko Lohikoski, representative of the FinnAgora Foundation, tel: +358 50 559 0238