Jan Vapaavuori

Executive Chairman for Neighborhood Development, Urban Partners

Extensive career in Finnish national politics. Since June 2017, Mayor of Helsinki. Set forth a city strategy championing Helsinki as the “most functional city in the world” with a special focus on sustainable growth, digitalization, global problem solving, creativity and the best possible conditions for happy everyday city life. The strategy also defined Helsinki as a testbed for start-ups and smart city development projects resulting in an increased global relevance for the city. 2012-15, Minister of Economic Affairs; 2007-11, Minister of Housing. Since 2015, Vice President of the European Investment Bank. As Minister of Economic Affairs, negotiated the Meyer Turku shipyard sale that played a key role in renewing the Finnish maritime industry. As Minister of Housing, created a program to decrease long-term homelessness by 50%. 2003-15, Member of Parliament, serving as chair of the party's parliamentary group. Long-term Member of the Helsinki City Council and Chairman of the City Board. LLM, University of Helsinki. Honorary Doctorate, Hanken School of Economics. Member of the World Economic Forum Global Future Council.

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