This case study is part of a series supporting the toolkit for communicators on citizen participation. Read the full toolkit for communicators supporting citizen participation. The toolkit was created by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Innovative, Digital and Open Governance (INDIGO) Division in collaboration with UK Government Communications.
Process
Finland’s National Dialogues provide an inclusive platform for citizens to contribute meaningfully to public debate and policymaking. Managed and organised jointly by the national and local government and civil society, these dialogues create spaces for individuals and communities to reflect on shared societal challenges.
The initiative is ongoing, with two dialogue rounds held each year. To date, over 1,100 dialogue sessions have been facilitated by more than 430 organisers across the country. For example, a hospital in Helsinki convened a dialogue specifically for young cancer patients, offering a safe space to share personal experiences, discuss the emotional toll of illness and explore how care could be improved in uncertain times.
Role of communications
The Ministry of Finance has played a central role in promoting the initiative through official press releases and social media. It has also developed communication toolkits for organisers, including branded social media materials such as logos and frames. This unified visual identity has helped the public clearly recognise each session as part of the wider National Dialogues initiative. In addition, the Ministry of Finance has used major public events, such as those hosted by the Finnish Public Broadcasting Company (Yle), as opportunities to further raise awareness of the dialogues.
For internal communication, the Ministry of Finance maintains a dedicated webpage on the government’s intranet to share findings and results across departments. It has also cultivated a network of dialogue organisers and holds regular meetings with them to gather feedback and continuously improve the process.
Outcome
The dialogues have produced valuable insights for both public institutions and policymakers. In the case of the hospital dialogue, participants’ input has helped shape more patient-centred care approaches. At the national level, findings have informed broader strategies to improve healthcare services and psychosocial support for young people facing serious illnesses.
Beyond policy outcomes, the process has empowered participants by giving them a platform to express their views, connect with others in similar situations and build a sense of solidarity.