Yle Majakka brings young people and decision - makers together in Jyväskylä to shape the future together

What does Finland’s future look like through the eyes of young people, and how can they help shape it? Yle Majakka invites young people, students and decision-makers to meet at the University of Jyväskylä on 17 February 2027. This new public event aims to encourage young people to make a difference, strengthen democracy and foster dialogue across societal divides.

Yle Majakka’s election debate and pre-election event will be held at the University of Jyväskylä’s main building on Seminaarinmäki. The election debate will be guided by questions submitted by young people.

Published

10.11.2026

Yle Majakka is based on the idea that young people do not have to stand on the sidelines and simply watch society change. The future is something we can discuss, shape and build together.

Yle Majakka will take place on the University of Jyväskylä’s Seminaarinmäki campus on Wednesday, 17 February 2027, from 12 noon to 7:30 p.m. The event is free of charge and open to students and young people who are still exploring their educational path. It is jointly organised by Yle, the University of Jyväskylä, the Student Union of the University of Jyväskylä, Jamk University of Applied Sciences and the Student Union of Jamk University of Applied Sciences.

Young people’s questions on the decision-makers’ agenda

One of the day’s highlights is the election debate beginning at 2 p.m., which will launch Yle’s series of election events. The debate will focus particularly on issues affecting young adults. The following politicians have confirmed their participation: Sofia Virta (Green Party), Antti Kaikkonen (Centre Party), Sari Essayah (Christian Democrats), Harry Harkimo (Movement Now), Anders Adlercreutz (Swedish People’s Party), Antti Häkkänen (National Coalition Party), Laura Meriluoto (Left Alliance), Miko Bergbom (Finns Party) and Antti Lindtman (Social Democratic Party).

Young people can shape the election debate by submitting questions to the panellists. Questions can also be prepared together in study groups: What issues matter most to young people right now? What should be done better or differently in the future?

Questions can be submitted until 15 December.

Future skills, hope, art and a special musical guest

The day begins at 12 noon with a pre-event programme in the University of Jyväskylä Main Building.

Students will have opportunities to test and develop their future skills and explore research on interaction, democracy education, critical thinking, and the wellbeing of nature. What myths are related to interaction? What kind of critical thinking do we need? How would you like to shape the future and contribute to issues that affect us all?

The programme will also feature a special musical guest and an artistic surprise. The pre-event programme will offer participants an opportunity to get creative themselves by pausing to draw and illustrate their visions of the future.

At 4.30 p.m., journalist, writer and University of Jyväskylä alumnus Maxim Fedorov will take the stage. At 6 p.m., the event will continue at Ilokivi Venue.

Further programme details will be announced later.

Teacher, bring your groups along

Yle Majakka is suitable for upper secondary school and higher education students and study groups. The event provides opportunities to discuss topics such as democracy, civic participation, the future and the ways in which young people can make a difference. The programme is open to all students, who can attend alone, with friends or as part of a study group.

Teachers can register their groups in advance to attend the election debate and secure seats at the event. Groups can also prepare questions for the politicians in advance.

We ask groups to register for the event by email at: tiedettakaikille@jyu.fi. Please send any questions to the same address by 15 December 2026.

Questions can also be submitted using the online form

For further information