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‘I strongly believe in the power of education,’ Martti Ahtisaari said. ‘The fact that people have equal access to education also supports social stability and harmony,’ Mr Ahtisaari added.

Aalto University School of Business’s largest alumni event brought hundreds of graduates back to their old campus home. The main speakers at the event were former President Martti Ahtisaari and Marimekko’s Tiina Alahuhta-Kasko.

Mr Ahtisaari emphasised in his speech the importance of education for Finnish society.

‘There must be sufficient resources for post-compulsory education,’ he said.

Novel Peace Prize laureate Mr Ahtisaari described the world as being more complicated than ever. ‘The tools of yesterday will not solve the problems of tomorrow. Therefore, well-resourced higher education is needed,’ the former president said.

Tiina Alahuhta-Kasko

Marimekko CEO Tiina Alahuhta-Kasko, a graduate from the School of Business, described in her speech the nature of business in international markets and probed the megatrends of the future with particular focus on the design and fashion industry. ‘An understanding of local markets is essential,’ Ms Alahuhta-Kasko said.

She listed in her speech various skills that she sees as necessary for working life in the future. For Ms Alahuhta-Kasko, a person-centred approach is central when it comes to the future of leadership.

Other keys for success are a multidisciplinarity that breaks traditional boundaries, an ability to learn, and bold thinking, she summarised.

Marimekko's president Alahuhta-Kasko: share the winnings essentials.

— Annika Artimo (@AnnikaArtimo)

The seminar’s panel was led by Esko Aho, Aalto University’s Executive in Residence. Discussion among the panellists included the question of why people working in the business world do not very readily make the shift to working in politics, and vice versa. 

At the alumni dinner party, Salla Vainio was awarded the title of Alumna of the Year.

During the day, which included both the seminar program and the alumni dinner, the Alumnus/a of the Year award was presented. .

‘This is our school,’ Salla Vainio said in her thank you speech to the other alumni. She promised to continue to work for the future of her former seat of learning. ‘It is of benefit to us all that the School of Business and Aalto University continue to develop.’ 

Good to be back

— Minna Kervinen (@MinnaKervinen)

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