What is a New Citizen of Turku or a Multicultural Act? 

Who? What? Suggest a person, give us a name Of our New Citizen, worthy of fame Or why not an achievement an act or a feat That helps multiculturalism look cool and neat

Did you know that currently, residents of Turku represent app. 130 different nationalities and speak 100 languages? There are over 14,000 residents of Turku, whose native language is other than Finnish or Swedish.

The City of Turku selects every year the year's New Citizen of Turku and the year's Multicultural Act. The acknowledgement is given for the purpose of drawing positive attention to Turku's internationality and its multicultural everyday life. As the year's New Citizen of Turku will be named a person with an immigrant background living in the Turku area, and the award for the Multicultural Act will go to a person, company, association or other organisation that has been setting an example in promoting multiculturalism.

The winner will be chosen by a jury appointed by Mayor Aleksi Randell. The jury consists of persons representing the immigrant community, the Turku Society, the Turku Chamber of Commerce, the Employment Office, the Turku Area Development Centre, the media and the city. 

Voting is underway

Voting for the year's New Citizen of Turku and the year's Multicultural Act is currently underway:

The year's New Citizen of Turku and the year's Multicultural Act vote

The acknowledgments are given yearly

The year's New Citizen of Turku and the year's Multicultural Act have been chosen since 2006. Previously, recognition has been given to the following persons:

In 2006, Designer Binh Le Xuan and Teacher Tellervo Vaitinen
In 2007, Teacher Irina Ossipowski and Project Manager Sari Kanervo
In 2008, Executive Officer Selim Selimi and Specialised Social Worker Päivi Talvinen
In 2009, Entrepreneur Ahmed Al Chibib and Teacher Ismo Laine
In 2010, Chairman of Sondip ry and Yhdessä Yhdistys ry Hasan Habib and the actions taken by Turku Women's Centre against honour-related violence.
In 2011, Reporter Wali Hashi and Annika Hongisto, Principal, and the multi and interculturality supporting activity at the primary level of Turun Normaalikoulu Teacher Training School
In 2012 CEO Maria Severina and retired school teacher Anja Marjanen

The acknowledgments will be given at the celebration honouring persons who have attained Finnish citizenship.

Further information:

 Mikko Lohikoski, Director Communicatios and External Affairs

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