Responsibility

Helsinki Events Foundation is committed to adhering to responsible operating procedures in all its activities from event production practices to programme contents and event communications.

We recognise that sometimes change takes time, but we are constantly assessing and developing our activities.

In order to be able to offer our visitors responsibly produced events, we take ecological, social and economic sustainability widely into consideration in our operations. We actively attempt to minimise the environmental and climate impacts of our events and are committed to providing equal and safe events for all. We employ a person familiar with responsibility issues, tasked with actively promoting the issues and keeping up with current information and development. We are a fair partner and employer and require other parties to act responsibly with us.

We actively attempt to minimise the environmental and climate load of our events throughout the entire production process. 

Helsinki Events Foundation has been granted the EcoCompass environmental certificate, and we use this environmental management system to develop our ecological sustainability with a long-term focus. In addition, as part of the Helsinki City Group we are committed to the goals of the Carbon Neutral Helsinki 2030 emission reduction programme.

We focus on keeping the environmental impacts of energy, waste, acquisitions, transportation and logistics as well as food, drink and accommodation as small as possible. We began calculating the carbon footprint of our events in 2023. 

We also communicate our environmental work. The environmental theme is also present in the programme contents of our events, particularly at the Helsinki Baltic Herring Market and Tall Ships Races.

We are committed to organising events that are equal and safe for all.

Event venues are accessible and within reach of public transport. More information about accessibility and transportation can be found on event websites. Several of our events have free admission and offer the joy of art and culture to the whole city. Night of the Arts and Helsinki Day also allow the residents to participate in the creation of urban culture as event organisers.

We want to reach new audiences as well. This is why we work together with, for example, City of Helsinki’s regional cultural centres and also encourage the smallest residents towards culture with the Kulttuuri kasvattaa! programme aimed at the entire city’s early childhood education.

Events organised by Helsinki Events Foundation observe the principles for a safer space, and everyone is welcome to our events as they are.

We expect the entire staff, performers, event partners and subcontractors as well as event visitors to commit to the principles of equality, fairness and non-discrimination.

If you observe discrimination, harassment or other inappropriate behaviour at our events, we kindly ask you to report it without delay to the nearest security steward or Helsinki Events Foundation either

by email: yhdenvertaisuus@eventshelsinki.fi or
anonymously using this form

The emails are read by CEO Stuba Nikula and the forms by Head of Administration Piia Lääveri.

Principles for a safer space:
– Respect everyone’s personal space and right to self-determination.
– Don’t make assumptions based on, for example, appearance and don’t degrade, discriminate or mock anyone with your words, behaviour or actions.– Let everyone speak and have an opportunity to participate in discussion. Listen to and learn from their perspectives.
– Intervene as far as possible if you witness inappropriate behaviour. Give and receive feedback in a constructive manner.
– Apologise if you have intentionally or unintentionally hurt someone.

We act fairly with our co-operative partners and also expect our partners, subcontractors, artists and performers to commit to our values. 

We reinforce entrepreneurship on a local level, for example, by choosing small businesses for the Helsinki Baltic Herring Market and Helsinki Christmas Market. We co-operate with third-sector actors, employ young people at our events and provide internships for higher education students.

Photo: Pietari Purovaara