The African Society’s founding meeting took place and was led by Ragnar Feiring’s initiative. There were 130 people in attendance.
Formerly knows as the African Society in Finland, it was established in 1964 and registered in 1967. Its purpose was to promote the knowledge of Africa countries to supply information and to encourage support development, assistance in research on Africa in Finland.
Our History
On 15th April 1964, the Finnish-African Society’s founding meeting took place and was led by Ragnar Feiring’s initiative. There were 130 people in attendance. It was known as the African Society in Finland, but is now the Finnish-African Society ry.
‘Kaupallinen neuvos’ Paavo Aarnio was the chairperson for 25 years until he died in 1989. He was succeeded by ‘lehdistöneuvos’ Matti Isoviita followed by Juhani Heinänen in 1992. Membership between 1964 and 1992 ranged from 50 to 350 members.
Our History in Summary
1964
1968
The African Society in Finland was registered. The Society traveled to African museums and institutions in London
1968
1964-1989
Paavo Valteri Aarnio served as the Chairman of the Society. He organized meetings that attracted notable speakers under his chairmanship, organized travel excursions to African museums and institutions in Europe and Africa. 1971-1976
The Society visited African museums and institutes in London, Saint Petersburg, East Africa, and Crete
1971-1976
1990-1992
Matti Isoviita was elected Chairman
1993 -1996
Juhani Heinänen was elected Chairman.
1993 -1996
1997 -2012
Juha Kuronen was elected Chairman (2011)
Matti Kinnunen was elected as Chairman (2012)2014
The Finnish-African Society celebrated its 50th Anniversary.
2014
2018-2019
2018: The Annual Business Networking Seminar, was rebranded and given a new direction. There were 75 participants in attendance.
2019: Sarah Laaru was elected Chairman. The Society hosted its second rebranded annual business seminar at Eurooppasali. There were 85 participants in attendance2020
The Society’s Chairperson Sarah Laaru gave a keynote address after Minister Skinnari
and Minister Pekka Haavisto at the online Finland Africa Strategy Consultation.Due to COVID-19 we had pre-recorded seminar interviews
2020
2021
The Finnish-African Society welcomed a new Operational Team, Executive Board, and underwent a rebranding and relaunching of its Habari Publication under “The Oriole Journal.”
Public Lectures
ABOUT US
Formerly knows as the African Society in Finland, it was established in 1964 and registered in 1967.
Y-tunnus 2468679-9
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