Finland’s largest idea festival, September 26–28, 2024

The Rural Parliament will be held in Nurmes in the fall of 2024. You can participate either on-site or virtually. Participation is free of charge.

The Rural Parliament is a societal event focused on rural areas, intended for everyone interested in the future development of rural regions and national rural policy. The event is free of charge.

It is organized through the collaboration of local, regional, and national actors, coordinated by the National Rural Policy Council (MANE). The Rural Parliament brings together people from villages to cities and government administration.”

Versatile, memorable Rural Parliament

The Rural Parliament is something quite unique. It is more than just an event. It offers an excellent opportunity to explore the diversity of the Finnish countryside. It is an opportunity to learn and understand new things and create new networks. The Rural Parliament shapes a sustainable future and influences the national rural policy. At the core lies dialogue between people of different ages and from different backgrounds. Through common understanding we can move to making a better future.

Nurmes: A Hub for Sustainable Development

Nurmes is a town in North Karelia on the shores of Lake Pielinen, surrounded by the hilly landscapes, forests, and waterways of Karelia.

‘An optimistic community spirit, a sound economy, and commitment to businesses—these are the strengths of our endeavors in a nutshell. By enhancing and diversifying rural entrepreneurship, the income growth of our farms has been among the best in the region.’”

Meet our wonderful hosts: Hannamari Hoikkala and Nicke Aldén!

Hannamari and Nicke traveled to over a hundred locations across Finland while hosting the bilingual cultural travel show Egenland. These unforgettable experiences have shaped them into a relaxed and cheerful hosting duo, effortlessly switching between Finnish and Swedish. ‘It’s fantastic that we get to meet again at the Rural Parliament!’”