Urbanisation is a worldwide phenomenon. In light of the most recent demographic projections, it is likely to continue to increase in Finland as well as elsewhere. As urbanisation progresses, the importance of cities as living environments, as pioneers among municipalities, as the engines of the national economy and as international actors will increase. A precondition for the success of cities is that urban issues that are to be resolved jointly are dealt with in partnership between cities and the central government.
In 2019, Sanna Marin’s Government recorded the drawing up of a national urban strategy in its Government Programme. The objective of the national urban strategy is to create through a motivating and open process a shared view of what will happen and should happen in cities by 2030. A co-created strategy not only enhances the national urban policy but also responds to the opportunities and challenges of urbanisation, taking into account the broad-based goals of the UN’s New Urban Agenda. The strategy is the view of the Government and cities on the importance of just, sustainable and dynamic cities. It has been produced in close cooperation between the cities and the central government during a 12-month period between 2019 and 2020. The official cooperation group on urban policy set by the Government has been consulted during the process. The strategy is due to be published in September 2020.