Jan Vapaavuori

After an extensive career in Finnish national politics, Jan Vapaavuori became the Mayor of Helsinki in June 2017. As his first task he set forth a city strategy, laying the ground for an ambitious four-year agenda. The strategy champions Helsinki as the “most functional city in the world” with a special focus on sustainable growth, digitalization, global problem solving, creativity and the best possible conditions for happy everyday city life. The strategy also defined Helsinki as a test-bed for start-ups and smart city development projects resulting in an increased global relevance for the city.

Between 2012 and 2015 Vapaavuori served as Minister of Economic Affairs and from 2007 to 2011 as Minister of Housing. Since 2015 he has worked as Vice President of the European Investment Bank. From 2003 to 2015 Vapaavuori was a Member of Parliament. During his term as MP, he served among other things as chair of the National Coalition Party’s parliamentary group.

Speaking at the following WCEF2019 sessions:

Monday 3 June at 14.30-16.00: The circular economy in cities