THL publishes more than one hundred recommendations to strengthen Finland’s comprehensive security

The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) has published a Comprehensive Security Review containing more than one hundred policy recommendations aimed at strengthening Finland’s security and the population’s crisis resilience. The recommendations address mental crisis resilience, health security, social welfare and health care, and social security. The work was prompted by significant changes in the security environment.

“Our review is intended to engage both citizens and decision-makers at a time when ongoing wars, climate change, artificial intelligence and global health threats are placing increasing pressure on societal structures, everyday security and people’s mental resilience,” says Anna Katz, Head of Unit at THL.

In addition to the recommendations, the review highlights how THL contributes to strengthening societal security and how the institute’s various functions form the foundation for safeguarding health and everyday life.

“THL is responsible, for example, for preventing health threats. Infectious diseases, biological and chemical threats, as well as extreme weather events can, in situations of disruption and crisis, endanger population health and place a significant burden on social welfare and health care services. This, in turn, undermines the crisis resilience of society as a whole,” Katz says.

Review aligned with the Security Strategy for Society

THL’s Comprehensive Security Review follows the structure of the Security Strategy for Society published by the Finnish Government. The strategy identifies the vital functions of society, assesses risks, and defines responsibilities and cooperation between different actors.

“Up-to-date and reliable research evidence forms the foundation for decision-making, preparedness and crisis management. THL plays a key role as a producer of information on population health, well-being and security,” Katz notes.

Internal security requires well-being

Internal security is one of the key components of comprehensive security. In Finland, internal security is particularly weakened by social exclusion, exposure to violence and adverse childhood experiences when protective factors are insufficient.

Timely and accessible services for all support well-being, strengthen trust and prevent developments that may undermine security in the long term.

“If people are repeatedly left alone when facing adversity and, at the same time, nearby safety nets and services drift further away from everyday life, this also becomes an internal security issue in the long run,” says Laura Kestilä, Leading Researcher at THL.

Mental crisis resilience is best strengthened in normal times

Mental crisis resilience refers to the ability of individuals, communities and society as a whole to cope with, adapt to and recover from crises.

According to the review, the current situation includes worrying trends: mental health problems and perceived financial difficulties have increased, while trust in decision-making and basic services has declined. Feelings of insecurity have become more common, and young people’s confidence in the future has weakened. Attitudes have hardened and polarisation has increased.

In the updated Security Strategy for Society, mental crisis resilience plays a central role. Preventing exclusion, reducing inequalities and strengthening functional capacity, participation and trust support society’s ability to function in situations of disruption and crisis.

“Mental crisis resilience is best strengthened already in normal times by supporting people’s well-being, ensuring livelihoods and services, and reinforcing trust, social cohesion and the experience of societal fairness,” Kestilä summarises.

Selected recommendations from THL:

• Produce a regular, nationwide situational picture of the population’s mental crisis resilience to support decision-making and preparedness.
• Strengthen and clarify national coordination in preparedness for, prevention and management of health threats.
• Develop the situational awareness function for social welfare and health care preparedness – for both normal conditions and emergencies – as part of government preparedness structures, by establishing this function as a statutory task of THL.
• Clarify through legislation the structures and responsibilities related to violence prevention, risk assessment and risk management, and ensure sustainable long-term funding.
• Maintain high vaccination coverage by strengthening communication and expertise nationwide.

Further information

Anna Katz (health security, preparedness)
Head of Unit
Tel. +358 29 524 7424

Laura Kestilä (mental crisis resilience)
Team Manager, Chief Researcher
Tel. +358 29 524 8795
Email: [email protected]