Finland endorses Davos Declaration

Minister of Science and Culture Antti Kurvinen has signed a decision by which Finland endorses the Davos Declaration.

The Davos Declaration promotes and advocates interest in high-quality design and construction of built environments, which embrace cultural expressions of buildings and environmental planning while also fulfilling functional, technical and economic requirements.

The Davos Declaration was originally published in 2018 in connection with the World Economic Forum.

The Declaration encompasses both contemporary construction and cultural heritage within the existing environment and landscape. It emphasises the importance of a high-quality built environment that ensures environmental sustainability, and contributes to the health and wellbeing of all.

"I consider it important that the State of Finland is active in the field of architecture. It is up to all of us to make sure our built environment is sustainable, healthy and pleasant to live in," said Minister of Science and Culture Antti Kurvinen.

"At its best, a high-quality living environment also promotes a sense of community. To me, this is crucial in our post-Covid-19 reconstruction activities. People need places and spaces where they can meet up," Kurvinen said.

Sustainable urban development

The principles in the Davos Declaration tie in with several objectives of the Programme of Prime Minister Sanna Marin’s Government, such as advocating higher-quality construction, supporting sustainable urban development, amending the Land Use and Building Act, implementing the Architectural Policy Programme and formulating a cultural heritage strategy.

The declaration was adopted at the informal meeting of the Ministers of Culture in connection with the World Economic Forum in 2018, in which Finland was not present. The declaration is a political one, which means it is not a legally binding Treaty.