march 20th, 2009 Distinguished members of the jury, It is a pleasure to note that the organisers of the World Design Capital competition view design as a broad concept. The contest holds great importance internationally as a way to promote the social, economic and cultural development of urban areas. Helsinki’s application has been compiled by an outstanding multidisciplinary team of experts, and the application process itself has proven to be inspiring and productive. Three Finnish government ministries have participated in the application process: the Ministry of Education and Culture, the Ministry of Employment and the Economy, and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. Their involvement ensures that becoming World Design Capital 2012 would translate into an excellent way for the Helsinki region – and the whole of Finland – to fulfil the goals of its economic and innovation policies, as well as boost growth endeavours in the creative industries. Finland’s success stems from its genuine originality. Genuineness is important to us, and Finnish design originates in exceptionally close ties to nature. Finnish design is also driven by a young society with technological savvy and a desire to build new things. We believe that design should open up new horizons and help create the future. For us design is a means, not an end. At its best, design offers opportunities to turn a problem on its head and approach it from a totally new angle. Many innovations are created by bringing existing elements together in a new and surprising way. Doing this requires the vision and courage to be original. While the Finns have been able to offer their own originality to the world, we are also continually developing our thinking and seeking dialogue that brings us into contact with other viewpoints. That’s why we are pleased to invite the international design community and others who are interested in the topic to plan the Helsinki region together with us, in the spirit of open design – and to make the plans come true. Finland can also serve as a Living Lab-type hotbed for developing new service concepts that utilise design, in a genuine environment supported by cooperation between the public sector, the private sector and the general public. The Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture, the Ministry of Employment and the Economy and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs strongly support the Helsinki region’s application to become the World Design Capital 2012. These ministries will cooperate closely with local authorities, dedicating national resources to supporting, enhancing and promoting events prior to and during the year. stefan wallin Minister of Education and Culture mauri pekkarinen Minister of Economic Affairs tarja cronberg Minister of Labour alexander stubb Minister for Foreign Affairs