The President of the Republic of Finland Sauli Niinistö: "At a time like this, the experiences delivered by reading and books are important"

27.08.2020

Sauli Niinistö is the patron of Read Hour campaign for the second year in a row.

The Children and Youth Foundation’s Reading Hour literacy campaign, which is being organised for the second time, challenges us to spend an hour with books on 8 September, UN International Literacy Day.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, we are living in exceptional times and our daily lives have changed in many ways. Especially at a time like this, the experiences delivered by reading and books are important. At best, a book can be like a much-needed moment with a friend or a journey into a new world.

Reading also has many other benefits. It develops our ability to think and express ourselves. The better we are able to share our thoughts with others, the better we will be heard.

I encourage everyone to take part in the challenge, and I wish you rewarding moments with the book of your choice!

But, of course, let’s read at other times as well.

Sauli Niinistö, President of the Republic of Finland, Patron of the Read Hour literacy campaign 2020


Lue lisää

“The future started to feel more hopeful” – Spring 2026 closing celebration marked by the joy of achievement
The Spring idea competition came to a close on 30 June, as the winning young participants, their mentors, the competition’s supporters and Spring alumni gathered at the Helsinki headquarters of UPM, Spring’s main partner.
UPM Challenges Young People to Reflect on Corporate Responsibility in the Future 
The Spring idea competition gains a new partner as UPM joins in to support young people’s creativity and efforts to build a hopeful future.
BioLöBö, Kalaheijastimet and ThriftySwipe are the Spring 2025 winners 
The winners of the Spring Idea Competition of 2025 are creating a more sustainable future with ideas involving domestic biogas, environmentally friendly reflectors, and second-hand fashion.