Figure: Sanna Krook / City of Oulu
The aim in the development of the everyday life of the residents of the region is both to keep the good things intact and to react to the changing world. Residents are an important factor in building a successful county, which is why the Regional Assembly of Oulu Region invests in biodiversity, a rich living environment, culture and arts, children, young people and education, as well as the involvement of county residents and stakeholders alike.
The key to success is people's well-being
The interaction between well-being and the economy, i.e. the economy of well-being, is one of the new highlights of the regional programme. Northern Ostrobothnia's concept of well-being is based on people-centred thinking. A prosperous region is not only economically, but also socially, ecologically and culturally sustainable. Well-being is a prerequisite for economic growth and, on the other hand, economic growth creates opportunities to improve well-being. However, Northern Ostrobothnia is one of the most ill regions in Finland. The cost of physical inactivity in the region is nearly EUR 400 million per year, which is why we invest heavily in increasing physical activity and improving opportunities for physical activity at all stages of life.
The goal is to make the everyday life of children, young people and families smoother
- The diversity of families is recognised and the experience of equality is strengthened.
- Mental health is systematically strengthened from early childhood onwards in different growth environments.
- The forms of support for well-being and functional capacity in situations of change and crisis are being developed.
- Accessibility and interoperability of mental health services for children and young people will be developed.
- Education and training are continuously developed, and the right of every child in Northern Ostrobothnia to learning, safe peer relationships and well-being, as well as the possibility to continue their studies after basic education, is secured regardless of their place of residence.
- Regional cooperation between education providers will be strengthened to ensure equality in education and training.
Everyone can participate!
Our mission is to offer everyone living in the region opportunities to participate and make participation attractive and profitable. In this way, we create a foundation for the residents' sense of trust and security. When residents feel that they can make a difference, they feel that they can make a difference in the course of their own lives, activities and services. Silent and weaker voices also need to be heard!
Culture creates well-being
Culture is close to the everyday lives of people in northern Ostrobothnia, and a central part of a happy and active life. It offers experiences and opportunities for participation, self-realization and development.
- The importance of culture as a creator of well-being is recognised and invested in, for example, through cultural education and the accessibility of cultural services.
- The importance of culture and the creative industries in regional development work and as one of the fstakeholders of attraction and retention is understood and invested in.
- By utilising the region's own cultural characteristics, which are based on the north, the region stands out.
- Building a regional cultural ecosystem through cooperation, competence, resources and strengthening knowledge-based management.
- By investing more in culture and the arts, we can move away from the consumption of tangible goods.
- Let's prepare together as a whole region for the high-quality implementation of the Oulu 2026 Capital of Culture year.
Nature is important to all of us.
The region recognises the well-being and appealing effects of key ecosystems, such as forests, peatlands and streams, and thus the importance of nurturing them. The region has sea, lake and river areas that are important in terms of their natural value and of national significance. Particular emphasis must be placed on children's relationship in cooperation with nature and cooperation across municipal and sector boundaries. Nature experiences also create new business opportunities, encourage local tourism and thus support the region's vitality and climate-responsible lifestyle. High-quality nature sites have also proven their attractiveness as a platform for living culture.
How to build an equal and safe county
- In order to even out the differences between municipalities, it is necessary to be able to strengthen people's participation and equality.
- Particular attention should be paid to equality in working life, access to education and demographic development.
- The aim is to ensure equality and sustainable well-being for all population and age groups in Northern Ostrobothnia. This can happen when people feel as well as possible, have a good ability to work, study and function, and feel that they can Influencing their own affairs.
- The aim of the health and social services reform is to ensure that everyone has equal access to high-quality social and health services and that the regional and socio-economic differences in well-being are narrowed. The Regional Assembly of Oulu Region coserve ass in cooperation with the member municipalities and the wellbeing services county to promote the well-being and services of local residents.
- Investments in preparing for climate change are also being made in Northern Ostrobothnia.
- Key priorities include (housing) security for older people, youth exclusion and social inequalities, the development of sparsely populated areas, as well as access to digital services and digital security.
What do we do in practice to achieve our goals?
Key projects to promote good everyday life:
- regional Participation and Inclusion Programme
- Strategy for children
- Local Nature Quality Programme
- Implementation of the Northern Ostrobothnia Culture Development Programme 2030
- regional-level preparation for the Oulu 2026 Capital of Culture project
- Regional action programme for good mental health
