Ville Skinnari, Minister for Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, Govt of Finland, today said that technology is the heart of the post-COVID-19 era as it keeps people linked to each other and to opportunities despite the social distance barrier imposed by the pandemic and he aims to transform Finland digitally by 2025.
Addressing the FICCI Global Young Leaders Summit, Mr Ville Skinnari said, digital economy is required to obtain development benefits from using technology globally. “India is the largest democracy in the world, and we share same values with excellent political relations and there is a great potential to develop our economic relations even further,” said the Minister.
Highlighting the importance of young leaders Mr Ville Skinnari said, Finland has been named as the happiest county since the past two years as it is governed by young and talented leaders.
Appreciating the diversity, culture, and cuisine of India, the Minister said, the world is turning electric which requires more energy technology. “The digital world needs software globally and this is where India and Finland can join hands together”.
Highlight the importance of regional cooperation he said, local and people to people connect are key factors to work together as businesses globally. “We must focus on building further resilience and adopt to the new normal”, said Mr Skinnari. The e- India relation through trade agreement will build up trust at the business and political level, he said. He further urged young talents to work in Finland and become part of the management in the country.
Neeraj Chopra, Indian Athlete said, parents must support kids in realizing their dreams. He further mentioned that it is when we have proper infrastructure, coaches, and stadiums that people will be aware of sports other than cricket. In the current times, sports must go hand in hand with education, said the Olympic Gold Medal winner.
Sunil Chhetri, Captain – Indian National Football Team & Bengaluru FC said if children are identified at the right time based on their talent and given the right platform at the right age, India as a country can do wonders.
Shashwat Goenka, Chair – FICCI Young Leaders Forum & Sector Head – Retail & FMCG, RP – Sanjiv Goenka Group said India is also home to a fifth of the world’s youth demographic. With such a large youth population, India also holds a gargantuan opportunity in the future. Its unique demographic advantage presents a plethora of opportunities in today’s dynamic world. Even the whole world is also saying that the 21st century belongs to India. “This year’s theme is “Reimagining the Future” which is perfectly synchronized with the present circumstances of the country”.
In the corona pandemic, he said the young minds of the country have been able to innovate and sustain the worst outbreak of the century. He further mentioned that the government has also recognized the potential of the youth for which it has initiated many focused initiatives, some of which are Prime Minister Kaushal Vikas Yojna, Prime Minister’s Small & Micro Industries Development Scheme (PMMY), Prime Minister’s New Entrepreneurs Development Scheme (Startup India), etc.
Dilip Chenoy, Secretary General FICCI said, sports instil values that help young people cruise through life with honesty and responsibly.