Finland’s first Empathy Council is founded in Kymenlaakso

On Tuesday 2.6.2026 an Empathy in decisionmaking seminar took place at Kotka Concert Hall. Over 40 local councillors, youth councillors and civil servants from across the region took part. The seminar functioned as the official founding of Finland’s first Empathy Council, with most of the attendees signing up as members. Each of the six cities and municipalities in Kymenlaakso are represented.

The Empathy Council is a multiyear project that launched in 2025 and continues until summer 2027. The project is funded by the Kymenlaakso regional fund and realised by Kotka-born empathy artist Enni-Kukka Tuomala.

The Empathy Council functions as a think tank, where Kymenlaakso’s current and future leaders come together to consider the role and need of empathy in local decision-making and culture of dialogue. The council will also develop new models and tools for increasing empathy and collaboration that will remain with local councils, cities and municipalities for their continued use. The Empathy Council will meet both remotely and in person across the region. Lead by empathy artist Enni-Kukka Tuomala, the meetings and workshops will use different artistic approaches and ways of working.

The seminar attendees reflected on the importance of empathy in decisionmaking in a changing world:

Chair, Kouvola Youth Council

Sinishash Nio

“The Empathy Council is important in the current global situation. Public discourse often states that empathy doesn’t belong in decisionmaking. I think the opposite – empathy must absolutely be a part of decisionmaking. All decisions should be based on humanity and meeting each other as people.”

Chair, Virolahti Municipal Council

Tomi Kokkola

“Empathy should always be a part of decisionmaking – especially in the current state of affairs, when we are having to make tough decisions on an ongoing basis. The seminar opened me up to realise that I think I am also a very empathic person.”

Chair, Miehikkälä Municipal Council

Reino Pietikäinen

“The Empathy Council feels especially vital at this moment in time, when the economy is being tightened and people are getting older and fewer, highlighting the importance of children and young people. Decisionmaking must first and foremost consider the full picture instead of letting the economy always take priority.”

Hopes for the future of Kymenlaakso were also contemplated:

Deputy secretary, Pyhtää Youth Council

Maria Louko

“It’s brilliant that we are getting something new in Kymenlaakso. I hope that the Empathy Council will bring positive change. I hope that the culture of dialogue changes to become more active and empathic.”

2nd Vice-chair, Hamina City Council

Hannah Honkanen

“I believe the Empathy Council brings the councils and decisionmakers just the kind of creative, calm and open atmosphere that will help us understand each other.”

Mayor, Pyhtää

Terhi Lindholm

“I think it’s fantastic that we have been able to join the Empathy Council, an idea which was born in Kymenlaakso. We are building something completely new.”