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In Timeout-Foundation’s discussions, the aim is to create dialogue and to give equal space for different points of view. This time, we concentrated on gaining ideas to create context for the Soil at Risk symposium panel discussion.

At first it may sound surprising that dialogical practices from Finland are spreading around the world, as Finns do not usually consider themselves particularly skilled in conversation. However, this spread is no made-up advertisement nor even a completely new phenomenon.

This autumn, the third Lockdown Dialogues turned their focus to social changes and human mortality.

The project Hyvin sanottu -kunnioittavasti keskusteleva Suomi (Well said - respectful discussion in Finland, own translation) wants to raise the quality of the current discussion atmosphere and to inspire people into a more respectful discussion where different opinions and perspectives are heard and welcomed.

The second Lockdown Dialogues event of the autumn focused on discussing and building confidence and faith in the future.

The Lockdown Dialogues in the spring began by focusing on society's sudden grind to a halt at the early stage of the crisis, then turned to the waiting phase with its uncertainties, and, with summer arriving, concentrated on the relief brought about by the lifting of restrictions.

More than 1,100 participants in 162 Lockdown Dialogues. Read a synopsis of this spring’s many dialogues.

In dialogues held on the same day around Finland, as key topics emerged the lifting of restrictions and its consequences, the new boundaries between people, humanity and freedom.

In the last Lockdown Dialogues on 9 June, we discussed our ability to learn from the crisis. This series of popular dialogues will continue in the autumn. Welcome to join in and organise your own dialogue!

Worry about themselves and others, strengthening of communality, blaming and feeling guilty, astonishment and joy over the digital leap, acknowledgement of social inequality and reflections on an uncertain future.

The exhausting nature of the lockdown, longing for physical closeness, development of resilience, cracks in communality, and building a more sustainable society got the participants from around Finland talking.

Everybody should have an opportunity to participate in the conversation on big changes, such as the health and social services reform or the transformation of working life. At Timeout-event discussions, an atmosphere of equality is created by talking about experiences.