28.11.2025
Climate work, well-being and improvements in the everyday lives of young people on the youth council's table
The Northern Ostrobothnia Youth Council convened for the Nominating Meeting of the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia on 27 November.
At the meeting, the youth councillors received an overview of the well-being report of Northern Ostrobothnia, presented by the Head of Well-being Promotion Sanna Salmela From the poetry. During the discussion, young people highlighted problems in everyday life: limited opportunities for hobbies, especially in a non-target way, poor access to health services, especially in small towns, and varying food quality in schools. On the other hand, young people emphasised the importance of family, nature and leisure as factors supporting well-being.
The youth councillors were able to familiarise themselves with climate issues with the expert of the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia Ritva Isomäki under the leadership. Isomäki presented the Northern Ostrobothnia climate road map and its seven top themes to young people. Specialist researcher at the Finnish Environment Institute Nina Pirttioja informed about the IISOPPI project, which will prepare a climate change adaptation plan for Northern Ostrobothnia. The project is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
In the workshop that followed the speeches, the youth councillors themselves were able to reflect on the different themes of climate work. From the themes, they chose the most important things for themselves, and many important things for the county emerged from the answers. EFor example, wood construction, sustainable forest management and a sustainable food chain were important themes for young people.
‘When there is knowledge, there is skill and there is action.’
Climate workshop one of the answers
The decision-making points were the updating of the Youth Council's Code of Conduct and the election of representatives for the Youth Environment Summit on 23 May 2026. The following representatives were elected: Jere Viinamäki and Otto Soronen.
Current issues of municipal youth councils were discussed, among other things, the adequacy of curators and public health nurses, as well as young people's opportunities to influence school meals. Good practices were also shared, such as a tasting group for young people and food services in Kempele and free Christmas meals for young people in Raahe.
The Youth Council will continue its work for the next meeting of Pohteen on 23 February.
More information:
Youth Council website
