Interest in Finnish language and culture continues. Meeting between the Rector of the UG and the Ambassador of Finland

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Cooperation between the University of Gdańsk and Finnish institutions of science and culture was the main topic of talks between the Rector of the University of Gdańsk, prof. Piotr Stepnowski, and the Ambassador of the Republic of Finland to Poland, Päivi Maarit Laine. The meeting took place on the occasion of the opening of the Nordic Focus Festival on Friday, November 22, 2024.

The University of Gdańsk has agreements with three Finnish universities: Laurea University of Applied Sciences, Turku University of Applied Sciences, and University of Turku. We also run a Finnish pathway in Scandinavian Studies. The ‘Routa’ Finnish Scientific Circle is also active at UG.

As prof. Piotr Stepnowski stressed: ‘The opening of the Finnish track at the Scandinavian studies department was the result of great interest in that country among students and the search by businesses cooperating with Scandinavian countries for people who not only know the language but also understand the culture and social relations of that country. Interest in the Scandinavian countries is still very strong, with Scandinavian studies maintaining its place among the top faculties most frequently chosen by university applicants.’

The Rector of the UG, prof. Piotr Stepnowski, in his conversation with the Ambassador of the Republic of Finland to Poland, Päivi Maarit Laine, also proposed new areas of cooperation between Finnish universities and universities associated within the Conference of Rectors of Polish Universities, of which he is the chairman this term. The topic initiated by the Ambassador was environmental protection and pro-ecological activities of both countries. Professor Piotr Stepnowski drew attention to the position developed and adopted by the Senate Committee on Climate and Environment and the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs. Both committees held an exit meeting in Gdynia (2 September 2024) on the issues of safety and protection of the waters of the Baltic Sea. The Rector reported to the Senators on issues related to the protection of the waters of the Baltic Sea.

Afterwards, the Ambassador, accompanied by the Vice-Rector for Student Affairs dr hab. Urszula Patocka-Sigłowy, prof. UG, opened the next edition of the Nordic Focus Festival.

 

mgr Magdalena Nieczuja-Goniszewska, Spokesperson UG