Konferens: How is the second generation doing? Promoting integration of migrants and their families in the Nordic countries

The number of people born in the Nordic countries to immigrant parents is growing rapidly. The second generation navigates rather different realities rather than their parents, affected by both their parents’ cultural and migration experiences and their own upbringing in the Nordic societies.

At the conference we will explore what we know about the second generation’s outcomes in education, employment, and social participation. And how does the integration of migrant families shape the lives of the next generation? Together we will discuss what policies and practices can help bridge the socioeconomic gaps and foster belonging across generations.

The conference welcomes all experts from across the Nordic region working on integration at the national, regional, or local level; policymakers, researchers, and practitioners.

The programme combines presentations of recent research with practical examples. There will also be plenty of opportunities to meet and share experiences with colleagues across the Nordic region.

Participation is free of charge but requires registration. 

We warmly invite you to join us in Helsinki for this important Nordic gathering. Last year, the conference filled up quickly, so we encourage you to register today to secure your place.

Helsinki is easily accessible by daily flights from all major Nordic cities.

Programme highlights include:

• Opening remarks by Karen Ellemann, Secretary General of the Nordic Council of Ministers, and Arsim Zekaj, Minister of Health and Social Affairs, Åland
• Keynote addresses by Melody Farshin (Sweden) and Mustafa Panshiri (Sweden)
• Research sessions on labour market integration, education, and the lived experiences of youth with immigrant parents, featuring leading scholars from Sweden, Norway, Finland, and the OECD
• A workshop on identity and belonging, led by the Nordic Migrant Expert Forum
• Presentations of promising practices from the Nordic countries

Register here no later than 10 November 2025. 

Practical information:

The conference is a physical event. No digital participation or recordings will be available. As places are limited, please cancel your registration if you´re unable to attend. A fee will be charged for no-shows.  

Date and venue

The conference takes place in Helsinki, Finland, starting Monday 24 November at 11:00 and ending Tuesday 25 November 2025 at 13:00. The venue is Finlandia Hall, Mannerheimintie 13E 00100 Helsinki.

Accessibility

The services of Finlandia Hall are also accessible to visitors who are disabled or have limited mobility.

Organisers

The conference is organised by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment in Finland, and the Nordic Council of Ministers, as a part of the 2025 Finnish presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers.

Programme  

Please find the conference programme here.

The conference includes presentations of new Nordic research, Nordic examples of promising practice with learning potential, expert commentaries and discussions, group work as well as plenty of opportunities to network and exchange thoughts with conference participants from all Nordic countries.  

Language

The conference will be held in English. 

Conference dinner

We are pleased to invite all conference participants to join the conference dinner and social event on Monday evening 24 November at 19:00 at Finlandia Hall. The dinner is free of charge, but require registration. If you wish to join, please sign up for the dinner when you register for the conference. 

Registration and price

The conference is free of charge but requires registration. Space is limited to 120 participants. Therefore, we kindly advise you to register as soon as possible.  

If you have registered, but are unable to attend, please send an email to mikaela.sonck@nordicwelfare.org the latest on 10 November if you wish to cancel your participation in the conference. If you’re unable to participate after that point, please let us know.

Hotel and travel

Participants are responsible for arranging and covering their own accommodation and travel.

We have reserved a block of rooms at the Radisson RED Helsinki Hotel. Rooms can be booked at a special conference rate until 24 October 2025:

Standard single room: 139 EUR per night / Standard double or twin room: 159 EUR per night

Please quote the allotment code STAY2025 when making a reservation: www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/

Conference Photography Notice

A photographer will be present throughout the conference, and photos may be used by the Nordic Welfare Centre in various contexts (e.g. publications, website, social media). If you do not wish to appear in any photos, please contact us on site during the event.