Mr. Jan Vapaavuori
Mayor of Helsinki, Finland
After an extensive career in Finnish national politics Mr. Jan Vapaavuori became the Mayor of Helsinki in June 2017 after winning the election with a record number of support. As his first task he set forth a city strategy, laying ground for an ambitious four-year agenda. The strategy champions Helsinki as the “most functional city in the world” with a special focus on sustainable growth, digitalization, global problem solving, creativity and the best possible conditions for happy everyday city life. The strategy also defined Helsinki as a test-bed for start-ups and smart city development projects resulting in an increased global relevance for the city.
In 2012 to 2015 Mr. Vapaavuori served as Minister of Economic Affairs and in 2007 – 2011 as Minister of Housing. Since 2015 he worked as Vice President of the European Investment Bank. As Minister of Economic Affairs, he negotiated the Meyer Turku shipyard sale that played a key role in renewing the Finnish maritime industry. As the Minister of Housing Mr. Vapaavuori created a program that resulted in a decrease of long-term homelessness by fifty percent - a model that has gained international recognition. From 2003 to 2015 Mr. Vapaavuori was a Member of Parliament. During his term as MP, he served among other things as chair of the party's parliamentary group. In addition to his career in national politics, Mr. Vapaavuori has a long-standing career with the City of Helsinki as Member of the Helsinki City Council and as the chairman of the City Board.
Mr. Vapaavuori graduated as Master of Law from the University of Helsinki.