Blog: Pyhäjärvi leads the way in organisational cooperation

16.06.2026
Preliminary information: Organisational activity of the year is applied for with a cultural theme

The Organisational Advisory Board of Northern Ostrobothnia has made the theme of the 2026 Organisational Act Award a non-threshold cultural act. The theme aims to highlight associations that make culture accessible, inclusive and accessible. Proposals can be submitted from 1 to 30 September 2026. The application period is not yet open, but it is already a good time to consider which association or operating model deserves recognition. More detailed instructions and an electronic form for nominating candidates will be published on the Northern Ostrobothnia website at the beginning of September. The winning association will receive 1,000 euros to support its activities. The organisation act of the year will be announced at the Regional Parliament of Northern Ostrobothnia on 3 November 2026. Additional information: Strategy Manager Ilpo Tapaninen (tel. +358 50 301 7546 or e-mail ilpo.tapaninen@pohjois-pohjanmaa.fi).

20.05.2026
North Ostrobothnia Organisational Survey is ongoing

The current survey of organisations in Northern Ostrobothnia charts the current state of the associations' operations and their future development needs. The answers to the survey will be used to make the activities of associations visible, to plan training and support services, and to promote the operating conditions of associations in municipalities and the wellbeing services area, for example. The results are also used in national advocacy work. The survey is carried out nationwide in different counties, and a national summary of the results is also compiled. The results for Northern Ostrobothnia will be published in August 2026. The survey is aimed at all associations operating in the province (except religious and political associations). We ask that only one answer be given for each association. Individual responses will be treated with confidence and in accordance with data protection legislation. Information about individual associations or identifiable information is not published or shared with third parties. More information on data protection: The data protection page of the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia It takes about 20 minutes to complete the survey. Please reply by 5 June 2026. Every answer is important! The questionnaire opens in Webropol via this link: https://link.webropolsurveys.com/S/050311448F194FDD Warm thanks for your time! The survey is carried out by the Organisational Advisory Board of Northern Ostrobothnia. Secretary Auli Suorsa tel. +358 50 386 8443 / auli.suorsa@pohjois-pohjanmaa.fi

08.05.2026
The work of organizations carries the whole of society: Northern Ostrobothnia calls for strong cooperation and influence

The Advisory Board for Organisations in Northern Ostrobothnia is concerned about the weakening operating conditions of organisations and their impact on people's daily lives, well-being and municipal services. At the first meeting of its term of office, the Advisory Board outlined that the role and effectiveness of organisations must be strengthened with greater determination. Organisations are a key part of the region's vitality, inclusion and sense of community. “The role of organisations in people’s daily lives, well-being and community is now more important than ever before. That is why we need even closer cooperation between municipalities, the wellbeing services county and organisations. Strong advocacy work is needed to secure the work of organisations”. In this way, the priorities of the work of the Advisory Board were summarised by the newly elected chairperson, the Secretary General of the Association of Young Friends, Raija Näppä. Jussi Ylitalo, Regional Director of the Regional Sports Association of Northern Ostrobothnia, will act as the Deputy Chair of the Advisory Board. Influence work needs information to support it. It will be collected by the Advisory Board with an organisation survey for Northern Ostrobothnia, which will be published soon. Organisations in the region are expected to be active and have plenty of answers. Right now, it is worth participating in joint advocacy work. This year, the North Ostrobothnia Association Award is awarded for the eighth time. The theme of the year is Oulu 2026 in the spirit of the European Capital of Culture. The nomination of candidates will be opened at the beginning of September. The instructions will be found on the website of the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia. The prize will be awarded in November at the Provincial Parliament. The North Ostrobothnia Organisational Advisory Board was elected for the first time in 2014. There is a wide representation of organisations from different fields and public organisations. The key task is to make the organisation's activities visible, to strengthen the opportunities for citizens and organisations to participate, to promote regional cooperation and to bring the organisations' views into the regional development work of the region. The advisory board is appointed by the provincial government. Additional information: Chairman Raija Näppä / raija.nappa@nuortenysavat.fi tel. +358 (0)40-1981441 Secretary Ilpo Tapaninen / ilpo.tapaninen@pohjois-pohjanmaa.fi tel. +358 (0)50-301 7546 Website of the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia / Council of Organisations - Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia [caption id="attachment_51285" align="alignleft" width="503"] The Council of Organisations of Northern Ostrobothnia met for the first meeting of its term of office 2026-2029 in the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia in Siikasali on 6 May 2026.[/caption]

16.06.2025
Blog: Northern Ostrobothnia's future looks bright

The economic review of the cooperative bank's regions highlights positive factors for the future of Northern Ostrobothnia. They are already known, but have been overlooked. Now, in connection with the preparation of the provincial programme, it is a good time to raise the provincial profile and be genuinely satisfied with the successes. At least the following can be extracted from the recently published economic review. In Northern Ostrobothnia, the number of unemployed people per job vacancy is the third lowest in the whole country. The situation is the same in the whole of Northern Finland, which indicates a more positive economic development than in the rest of the country. On a long-term average, Northern Ostrobothnia is at the top of the country in terms of green transition investments, as well as in terms of population-related RDI investments. The Cooperative Bank's economic review predicts that GDP growth in Northern Ostrobothnia will be the second fastest. The region's positive future is covered by the continuous increase in the number of employees. Employment growth has been at the level of other major provinces. When construction, which is important to the county, begins to rise, employment returns to a positive path. Pirkanmaa has taken North Ostrobothnia's position as a region of growth. This is partly due to investments in support of the services sector and the development of an attractive living environment. The decisions made have created a positive spiral from which North Ostrobothnia can also learn. On the other hand, in times of global turmoil, North Ostrobothnia's logistical position as a gateway to the West also provides a good starting point for facing future challenges and continuing to grow. The extensive scenario work carried out in the spring creates a vision for 2050. The starting point of the thesis was to open the horizon of the future realistically. Although the cracks in the operating environment are becoming more pronounced, there were more opportunities than threats in the scenarios. In particular, the European Renaissance scenario provides a new perspective on current development, but also supports the strengths and cooperation openings of Northern Ostrobothnia. The ongoing preparation of the provincial programme provides a good opportunity to participate in building a positive future and to put into practice the opportunities that emerged in the scenarios. Keep your eyes up and work together! In Oulu on 16 June 2025, Mikko Väisänen, Head of Research and Development, will prepare the provincial programme for Northern Ostrobothnia 2026-2029 during the spring and autumn. The blogs written by experts from the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia cover the preparation process and themes related to the programme.

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