VISION BOOKLET VANTAA 2021- NATIONAL SESSION OF EYP FINLAND About the session theme

In the past decades, sustainable policy-making and agenda-setting have been a demand- ing area for Europe and the rest of the world. With sustainability being one of today’s “hot topics”, we thought that it was important to host a session during which all of its pillars, economic, social, human and environmental, are discussed. The main focus of VNS21 will be broadening the concept of sustainability and making known that only by the collective working of all pillars will sustainability be achieved. Together with the leadership and the rest of the officials’ team, we want to pose a challenge for delegates to think about and dis- cuss important topics that directly affect themselves and the future of Europe. “The faces of sustainability: Reconceptualising sustain- able development to meet the needs of tomorrow.” Head Organisers’ Vision - Vantaa 2021

VNS21’s priority is to engage people towards a more active young Europe. We want to pro- mote inclusivity and enable participants to explore their differences, which will be achieved through discussions between international individuals with different views and beliefs. Due to the international environment of the 6-day session, participants will be encouraged to self-develop, and by the end of the session, they will have improved their communica- tion skills. VNS21 will be a safe and welcoming space where participants will be able to express themselves without judgement and a space that can be used as a learning environ- ment, where we can all share knowledge and experiences. For both of us, as well as EYP Finland, participant welfare is something of high importance and will be a key priority in VNS21. We want to make sure that all participants are comfortable with all the session ac- tivities, and that physical and mental health are not neglected throughout the session. In addition, we want to maintain the typical, welcoming, judge-free, EYP environment, and we will have absolutely no tolerance for any sort of discrimination.

As you can see, the words in bold all represent aspects of our vision for VNS21. Together, these help us create a healthy and welcoming working environment.

Communication

We want to put special importance on open communication and transparency within the Officials teams. As Head Organisers, we want to be aware of what each team is up to and have open discussions about the achievements of each day. We want to provide the possi- bility of the session participants giving constructive feedback to help each other with per- sonal development and becoming more self-aware.

Welfare

Mental and physical well-being are commonly overlooked during sessions. Especially in digital sessions, where we are in our homes, in front of a computer screen, welfare is some- thing easily forgotten about in the midst of the session’s busy schedule. In order to maintain a healthy environment for everyone, we will make sure that there is enough time for all participants to self-reflect and take care of themselves. Head Organisers’ Vision - Vantaa 2021

Inclusivity

Following EYP’s values, we aim at creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all session participants. Our goal is to create a united Officials team by putting time and effort into inter-team bonding and activities. We wish for all Officials teams to cooperate with each other as much as possible so that every team feels like they are a key part of building the session. We wish for everyone to be welcoming of each other and to actively work towards maintaining a comfortable environment where everyone can fully be themselves.

Last but not least, FUN! EYP is not all about work, but also about having a good time getting to know new people. With the help of all of you, we want to create a session where we all have fun and create treasured memories together!

If this sounds like a challenge you’d be up to take on, JOIN US in VNS21!

Super excited to welcome you to the team, Mira Engström and Karoliina Kondylis The Head Organisaers of Vantaa 2021 - National Session of EYP Finland President’s Vision - Vantaa 2021

Dear Reader,

Thank you for your interest in Vantaa 2021 - 27th National Session of EYP Finland. I hope that after reading the vision you will be even more willing to apply and join the wonderful Officials’ team.

My vision concentrates on three main pillars which I developed after reflecting on four years of active participation in EYP and, especially, on my presiding experience. The three pillars that will shape the Academic team of Vantaa 2021 are self-awareness, self-development, and self-reflection.

Self-awareness

You will probably join the session with eagerness to develop certain skills and learn some- thing new and, it is one of the priorities for the Academic team that we will focus on. How- ever, to efficiently start the process of development, we all need to understand what the difficulties that we have faced before are and how to benefit from the experience. My goal here is to shape the team which will be willing to reflect on the past, become aware of chal- lenges, and make a step towards the future.

Self-development

I tend to believe that the most crucial step towards self-development is the openness to new perspectives and approaches. Being in the position when I learn a lot from my Vice-Presi- dents on regular basis, I want all officials to take the opportunity and try different approach- es during Vantaa 2021. My vision concentrates on embracing diversity, appreciating sup- port and welcoming challenges, as pushing yourself outside of your limits is the best way to grow. Furthermore, during the pre-session preparation, I envision close communication be- tween the Board and the Chairpersons. Hence, we will strive to create the ideal atmosphere for everyone to contribute and enjoy the experience.

Self-reflection

During the whole process of working together, we will be reflecting on the experience that we are shaping together, both individually and as a team. I truly believe that every EYPer should be able to receive and provide feedback without hurting or being hurt. The power of constructive feedback is often underestimated, however, it contributes a lot to the devel- opment and empowerment of individuals and, as a result, leads to the formation of strong and motivated teams. President’s Vision - Vantaa 2021

No matter if it is written or oral feedback, the formulation of objective, unbiased and nice feedback is a skill that ensures a safe environment for everyone.

Lastly, one of the key aspects to work on for me, as the President, will be formation of the Board and its further communication. I envision the Board as a team with a common vision, values, and goals. For me, the difference between the good Board and the great Board is the closeness of interaction and ability of its members to inspire each other. Hence, I will put all the effort into establishing a friendly, supportive and healthy environment for my Vice-Pres- idents to enjoy every moment of being part of the Team. Hope to see your applications very soon!

Best regards, Lira Mikayelyan (AM) The President of Vantaa 2021 - National Session of EYP Finland Editor’s Vision - Vantaa 2021

Dear Applicant,

Over the past year we’ve done our best to adapt to changing circumstances, and Vantaa Na- tional Session going digital will be no different. My main vision for the media team of Vantaa 2021 is to work together to find new and innovative ways to document a digital event, but at the same time maintaining the core values of EYP media and ensuring that the education- al aspect of the media team is not lost.

Without a physical common space bringing participants together, the media team will have an even greater responsibility to help make the session as inclusive as possible. There won’t be as many moments of inter-committee interaction, so it will be the media team’s proj- ects that encourage connections across committees and make each topic even more acces- sible to all participants.

The output of the media team will be different too: there will be less opportunity for pho- tography, for example. This does not mean to abandon your usual hobbies, or stress about learning something completely different, but rather taking your trusted skills and applying them to something new. The digital format of the session provides even greater opportunity for interactive media and the use of new creative platforms. It’s a new playing field for all of us, so I want to emphasise that you can apply to the team no matter your background in media.

The importance of well-being in current circumstances also cannot be neglected. Now more than ever, the impact of social connections should be emphasised, so I aim for the media team to be a supportive network not only for learning new skills but also for each team member to make these connections. The media team will be a safe space for expressing ideas and concerns, along with the officials team as a whole. I hope that this environment of open communication will be able to encourage even more creative projects that can help bring together all participants of the session.

I hope to see your applications soon!

Yours, Marylyn Rosenqvist (FI) The Editor of Vantaa 2021 - National Session of EYP Finland Head of Jury’s Vision - Vantaa 2021

Dear reader,

I hope that if you find yourself reading this vision it’s because something about this session has peaked your curiosity. In that case, with my vision and ideas, I hope I can convince you to apply to Vantaa National Session.

Over the different sessions I have taken part in and several personal experiences, I have realised that we have a bigger impact on people than we are aware of. As so, I want us to make good use of our impact on the rest of the participants, especially on delegates and to be approachable and passionate.

To achieve this approachability, my vision for the Jury team focuses on a communicative, compromised and understanding team. I want enthusiastic individuals who are willing to engage with the session and work in a positive, open-minded and uplifting environment. This means that we will all be working closely together to create the best enjoyable working environment possible. For that, I want to be seen as a guide that facilitates the Jury team’s work and helps in the creation of an open-minded, respectful and close team.

Compromise and cooperation will also allow us to extend our accessibility and approach- ability to different teams, always willing to help, participate in different activities and work closely with the Academic Team. I want our united team to align with others and to ensure an inclusive and encouraging environment for everyone.

If both before the session, during it and after it, we can reflect on our attitude and consider the impact we have had on participants as the Jury team and see if we have been a happy, open and approachable team ensuring the well-being and enjoyability of the participants, then I would consider both my role as a HOJ and yours as Jury members truly successful.

If you have felt reflected with the vision and you believe you have beautiful things to offer, then I have zero doubts that we will make the most of our time and reach the best decisions together as a team. I cannot wait to see you working with passion and be inspired by your motivation!

Please take care of yourself and hopefully, I can welcome you to Vantaa National Session very soon.

Always yours, Cristina Lago (ES) The Head of Jury of Vantaa 2021 - National Session of EYP Finland VANTAA 2021- NATIONAL SESSION OF EYP FINLAND