Suomen Suurlähetystö Sofia - Embassy of Finland in Sofia

"For me it is very important to participate in the Pride everywhere I’m posted. Maybe even more so today, as we feel how sexual minorities are seeing their rights being facing further challenges. For me it is not only a question of an important issue in Finland’s foreign policy, but also an expression on the human dignity that I truly believe in." - Ambassador Pohjankukka took part in Sofia Pride 2026 joining her colleagues marching in support for LGBTI+ community's rights.

"Play is not a luxury or a reward—it is a fundamental right of every child. Through play, children make sense of the world and build relationships. Protecting play means protecting childhood itself. That is why in todays modern world in Finland, we have the discussion on the need to ensure the childhood does not end too soon. " With these words Ambassador Pohjankukka opened her address to the participants of the annual event organized by Foundation dedicated to June 11 - International Day of Play.
The participants had the chance to have a closer look at one of the great Finnish social innovations - the maternity box, which since its intruduction in 1937 has become a symbol of equality, and, increasingly, a platform for sustainable innovation. The baby box provided by the state is a starter kit with necessities ranging from clothes to toys to help parents care for their newborn.

🤝The official part of Ambassador Pohjankukka's visit to South-Central Bulgaria including meetings with District Governor of Plovdiv Georgi Yanev and Mayor Konstantin Dimitrov who shared thoughts on how the region is positioning itself for more value‑added industries and how livable the city is as well as Deputy Mayor of Stara Zagora Milena Stoyanova Zheleva who presented the municipality's successful projects for green energy and transport realized with EU funding.

Last week Ambassador Pohjankukka paid a very interesting and successful visit to South-Central Bulgaria, the regions of Plovdiv and Stara Zagora.
The visit started with her attendence to the International Defence Equipment and Services Exhibition HEMUS 2026 where she met and talked with Minister of Innovation Ivan Vasilev and Minister of Defence Dimitar Stoyanov. The biggest Bulgarian International Defence and Security Exhibition offered plenty of strong exhibitors, demonstrations and presentations but also the possibility for a hands-on test of the hardware.

🤝Ambassador Pohjankukka paid a visit to The Thracian University – Stara Zagora and met with the Rector, Prof. Miroslav Karabaliev as part of her official trip to the area of Plovdiv and Stara Zagora.

✅One of the main goals of the visit was to get a more in-depth look at the scientific and innovation potential of the region and the opportunities for future cooperation between Finnish and Bulgarian scientific organizations.
🟧The meeting was attended also by the Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs, Assoc. Prof. Tsvetoslav Koinarski, the Secretary General, Emilia Blagoeva, and representatives of the H2START – Center for Excellence team.
🟩During the visit, Prof. Karabaliev presented the development of Thracian University as one of the leading multidisciplinary universities in Bulgaria. He emphasized the unique model of the institution, which unites educational and scientific structures from the region of Southeast Bulgaria, as well as the establishment of the new Faculty of Digital and Green Technologies.
🟦During the discussion, Ambassador Pohjankukka presented Finland's experience in developing the hydrogen economy, and in particular the initiatives in the Oulu region, where one of the leading hydrogen valleys in the country is being built. She emphasized the importance of cooperation between scientific organizations, businesses and public institutions for the successful implementation of hydrogen technologies.

World Environment Day 🌍🌿

In Finland, our connection to nature shapes how we act, also beyond our borders.
Together with partners, we work to protect ecosystems, biodiversity, and promote sustainable solutions.

Днес отбелядваме Световния ден на околната среда🌍🌿
Във Финландия връзката ни с природата оформя начина, по който действаме.
Заедно с партньори работим за опазване на екосистемите, биоразнообразието и насърчаване на устойчиви решения.

Ambassador Pohjankukka took part in a special UNICEF Bulgaria event marking 1 June - the International Children's Day.

⚔️ Democratic resilience is increasingly shaped by the ability of states to respond to hybrid threats, strategic corruption, information warfare, economic coercion, and technological disruption simultaneously.​
Ambassador Pohjankukka was among the speakers in Defense and Democracy Dialogue 2026: Why We Fight organized by CSD. She gave her insights on the Finnish perspective and the Nordic whole-of-society-approach in relation to the future of democratic security and resilience on NATO’s Eastern Flank.

NORDIC TOTAL DEFENSE: WHY SOME SOCIETIES NEVER SURRENDER Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.