Happy Helsinki Pride to everyone in Kaivopuisto!

It is an honor to be here today. I am particularly proud that, together with the Helsinki city leadership, we get to be the patrons of Helsinki Pride this year. Additionally, Pride peace was declared in Helsinki earlier this week.

As a child rights lawyer, I want to center children and young people when we talk about eliminating inequality. Equality belongs to all of us.

We adults set an example for children and young people through our actions. Therefore, it is important that we do not accept any inequality, inappropriate comments, or insults. Children learn from us adults how to meet other people and how to discuss issues we disagree on. Children learn from us how we adults accept diversity.

Unfortunately, the world is not ready. This must be brought to light even amid the celebrations. Recently, there have been far too many speeches and actions that make it feel like equality is taking a step back. Things that should not happen are happening nonetheless. And that is unacceptable.

The importance of human rights is emphasized in times when uncertainty and various conflicts challenge everyone. During these times, we must stand strong and work together for a safe city for all.

I hope we do not give space to fear but hold on to the idea that each of us has the right to be exactly who we are. Helsinki is a city for all of us.

Defending equality must start with children, as childhood lays the foundation for a lifetime and thus for a sustainable and prosperous society. Every child and young person should have the peace to grow into their own self. This is something that we adults and society must support. There should be no room for breaking or questioning that peace.

For example, legislation concerning transgender minors is something that we adults must finalize. I was involved in its preparation during Sanna Marin’s government while serving as the secretary of the national child strategy. The reform excluded those under 18 years old, but during the law reform process, Parliament decided that the government must continue preparations regarding minors’ right to self-determination. Promoting this is very important.

I know that we still have a lot of work to do regarding equality in Helsinki schools, throughout Helsinki, and in Finland as a whole. We still need to provide more information about the diversity of gender and sexual orientation in schools so that children and young people can thrive.

I hope that every child and young person has the opportunity to be met as their unique and valuable selves. We must work together for that. We must act in such a way that every child and young person dares to dream, trust in the future, and believe in themselves.

Helsinki Pride sets a shining example by creating and maintaining hope even when it feels difficult. When the message from the surrounding world brings pain, peace and hope arise through our actions as people.

All love is valuable — let’s celebrate it together now! Let’s allow Helsinki to be the capital of love today and every day.

Thank you.