NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 29 — Finland’s Ambassador to Kenya, Riina-Riikka Heikka, says her country’s global leadership in sustainability is rooted in a deep respect for nature and a practical, solution-oriented mindset.
She noted Kenya strongly shares the values through its rich biodiversity.
Speaking on Capital FM In The Morning, Ambassador Heikka explained that Finland’s relationship with nature has shaped its approach to climate action, environmental protection, and sustainable development, both domestically and internationally.
“I think the fundament behind it is our relationship towards our nature,” Heikka said. “We have deep respect towards nature, and I feel it very much here in Kenya as well.”
She praised Kenya’s landscapes and biodiversity, noting they inspire reflection on climate action and environmental stewardship for future generations.
“Looking into what an amazing country, you are, what amazing nature you have, it really makes you think about the work for climate, for environment, for biodiversity, for having this for our future generations,” she said.
Heikka explained that Finland’s often harsh and unpredictable climate has required the country to work closely with nature rather than against it, particularly in agriculture and energy.
“We are very used to working with the environment and with our climate utilizing it, and also tackling it, because it’s not an easy climate for us,” she said.
“When you look at agriculture or energy, it’s not easy to navigate the climate conditions in Finland. So, in a way, it has had to be a focus.”
Solutions over rhetoric
According to the ambassador, this has cultivated a national culture that prioritizes practical solutions over rhetoric—a mindset closely linked to Finland’s sustainability record and its reputation as one of the world’s happiest nations.
“Perhaps one part of our happiness is also that we rely on solutions,” she explained.
“It’s not about talking things; we are really looking for solutions. That mindset guides us when we talk about sustainability, climate, and the environment, whether domestically or internationally.”
Addressing concerns about whether African countries can pursue ambitious renewable energy targets amid development challenges, Heikka said Kenya is already making notable progress.
“Kenya is actually doing quite well on renewable energy,” she said. “We share a lot, and we also want to learn from Kenya in that regard.”
However, she cautioned that ambition comes with challenges, even for developed countries.
“We set very ambitious goals, but it’s not always easy to actually fulfill them. Being ambitious is important in order to be serious in your work, but it’s a challenge for us as well.”
Heikka highlighted Finland’s efforts to address sustainability through societal initiatives and individual responsibility, including digital tools that promote personal action.
One example is a mobile application developed by Finland’s innovation fund that allows individuals to calculate their carbon footprint and identify ways to reduce it.
“You can measure your own carbon footprint by answering loads of questions, and then you get an idea of what you can do to really make an influence at the individual level,” she explained.
“That is needed as well—choices from all of us.”
