Vision for democracy education
Democracy education strengthens democracy and participation
Democracy is based on respect for the rule of law, freedom of expression, equality and human rights. Democracy education is needed because a democratic society cannot survive and develop without participation. In terms of our shared future, it is important for each generation to learn to appreciate, maintain and develop democracy and to act in a democratic society.
The state of democracy has deteriorated globally, but the situation in Finland remains quite good for the time being. However, when compared to their peers internationally, Finnish young people are not very interested in traditional social participation. Furthermore, trust in society's institutions has deteriorated and young people have little faith in their own opportunities to make a difference. Values and attitudes have become polarised. Democracy education should be developed to steer these developments in a positive direction and to strengthen democracy and social participation.
Education plays a key role in fostering a democratic way of life, even though it cannot solve all societal problems. Early childhood education, basic education and upper secondary education reach all children and young people. That is why we will focus particularly on educational work at daycare centres, schools and upper secondary education institutions.
From the perspective of democracy, it is important that all children and young people, regardless of their background, have a genuine and equal opportunity to influence and participate at school and in society at large, for example, as part of civil society activities. Democracy education should not merely consist of exercises or quasi-influence, but real action, interaction and cooperation.
Vision: Democracy education requires knowledge, intent and initiative
Reliable knowledge is the cornerstone of democracy. Knowledge is essential for people to able to participate and act in society in the midst of technological, ecological and social change. Intent is needed in addition to knowledge. Democracy is based on the will of the people to build a free, equal and multi-voiced society. From the perspective of a democratic society, it is important that knowledge and intent are translated into tangible initiatives that maintain and develop society.
Democracy education is based on reliable knowledge, the intent to support democracy and democratic initiatives. Our vision can, therefore, be summarised in three words: knowledge, intent and initiative.
Knowledge: Reliable knowledge is the cornerstone of democracy
Education guarantees children and young people access to reliable knowledge and enables them to assess its credibility.
Education supports a constructive and knowledge-based conversation culture, which enables everyone to participate. Reliable knowledge, experiences of the learners, various social viewpoints and expectations for the future are connected in dialogic discussion.
Children and young people have a critical mind and the necessary knowledge of democracy, human rights, democratic action and political decision-making. They are also able to reflect on ways of thinking and the emotions that affect social activities.
Intent: Democracy is based on the intent of the people to build a functioning society
Education strengthens the democratic values and attitudes of children and young people.
Democracy education fosters the intent to engage in deliberation with multiple perspectives, compromises and a respectful conversation culture. Building a democratic society requires interaction and dialogue that is not aimed at finding a single perspective or agreement deemed to be valid, but at increasing understanding and building trust.
Children and young people want to act responsibly and sustainably and aim for common good. They commit to the democratic way of life and want to contribute to the promotion of what they consider to be important while respecting human rights.
Initiative: The democratic society is developed and maintained through initiative
Democracy education is the shared goal of the entire society. Social structures and stakeholders support democratic participation and provide children and young people with genuine opportunities to participate and make a difference. Current and new forms of participation and engagement are developed actively.
Democracy is part of the structures and culture of all schools and educational institutions. Schools and educational institutions share and produce reliable knowledge and strengthen the will of young people to act in a democratic and socially constructive manner. Schools and educational institutions allow for everyone to participate and develop their democratic skills. All children and young people are exposed to democratic participation.
Children and young people from different backgrounds have equal opportunities to participate actively in social decision-making and deliberating future solutions.
The vision for democracy education was published on National Democracy Day on 23 September 2025. The vision has been signed by:
- Parliamentary Office
- University of Helsinki
- The Association for Teachers of History and Social Studies in Finland
- University of Eastern Finland
- University of Jyväskylä
- Citizen Forum
- Development Centre Opinkirjo
- The Association of Finnish Cities and Municipalities
- The Finnish National Youth Council and Youth Sector (FYCS)
- Youth Academy
- Nuorten Suomi Ry
- Ministry of Justice
- Teacher Education Forum
- Ministry of Education and Culture
- Trade Union of Education, OAJ
- Finnish National Agency for Education
- Sivis Study Centre
- University of Oulu
- Plan International Finland's Muuttajat! democracy education program
- The Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra
- Non-Military Service Center
- University of Turku
- News Media Finland
- Yle, the Finnish Broadcasting Company
- Åbo Akademi University.