Contact
Contact
Hiltunen Juha
Integration manager
Vitality
Integration services
International Riihimäki Action Plan
Riihimäki is rapidly becoming international, and the city's population growth has been largely based on immigration. In the coming years, the importance of immigration in terms of demographic development and the availability of skilled labor will be further emphasized. Internationalization brings opportunities to Riihimäki in terms of labor availability, vitality, and investments, but also requires the city to develop operations and services in cooperation with key stakeholders.
The City of Riihimäki has prepared the International Riihimäki action plan, which aims to serve as a roadmap for promoting the internationalization of Riihimäki and strengthening the vitality of the city.
The City Council approved the action plan in May 2025.
What does internationalism mean in Riihimäki?
- Community and acceptance – Riihimäki is a city where multiculturalism is seen as an asset, and positive everyday encounters
strengthen both a sense of belonging and two-way integration. - Responsibility and safety – Riihimäki is growing sustainably, and every resident has equal opportunities for studying, working life and a good everyday life.
- Growth and international connections – Riihimäki is globally networked, and it is known worldwide as a competent, functional and attractive city. Internationality brings new residents, companies and jobs to the city
Riihimäki's internationalization figures
8,1%
Percentage of foreign language speakers in Riihimäki (31.12.2024)
1170
International services customers (24.9.2025)
48
Number of native languages spoken in Riihimäki (31.12.2023)
45
Different nationalities in Riihimäki (31.12.2023)
Content of the action plan
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Vision
Riihimäki is an internationally networked and communal hometown for everyone.
Mission
The City of Riihimäki is a pioneer, a bridge builder and a force for cooperation. The city enables residents, educational institutions, businesses and communities to meet.
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- International migration gains are growing sustainably
Riihimäki attracts new residents with a diverse range of housing options, high-quality services and smooth transition opportunities into working life. - Community spirit and services support Riihimäki's internationalization
The city strengthens community spirit, accessible and multilingual services, and communications that support two-way integration. - International investments, the internationalization of companies and the employment rate of immigrants are increasing
The city supports the internationalization of companies and strengthens the connection between working life and education so that the potential of experts who have immigrated to the country is fully utilized.
- International migration gains are growing sustainably
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An irresistible quarter-hour city
• Provide diverse housing options sustainably and nearby.
• Strengthening community spirit by ensuring events and services that are open and accessible to everyone.Home of the creators of the future
• Promote two-way integration and good population relations by increasing understanding of cultural diversity.
• Study, internship and job opportunities for immigrants will be increased and practical language teaching will be organized.Sustainable growth community
• Strengthen the city's international cooperation regionally, nationally and internationally in order to attract experts and investments.
• The city acts as a platform and network aggregator, enabling cooperation between companies, educational institutions and other stakeholders. -
The implementation of the International Riihimäki action programme is initially coordinated by the same steering group that guided the preparation of the programme. The steering group has delegated the coordination and monitoring of the implementation of the programme to the International Services Unit. In addition, the steering group has defined the responsibilities for the implementation of the measures for the different departments of the city.
The implementation of the action plan is primarily monitored through indicators linked to the implementation of the measures. At a general level, the internationality of Riihimäki and its development are best described by the following indicators: net immigration, the proportion of foreign-speaking people in the population, the employment rate of immigrants and the amount of international investments.
The City of Riihimäki is introducing the International House Riihimäki (IHR) concept.
The steering group has drawn up an annual timetable for implementing the measures defined in the program.
- 1st quarter: Implementation of measures decided in the budget
- 2nd quarter: Discussions and preliminary planning with sectors. Involving immigrants and brainstorming future measures. Calendaring of international events for the following year.
- 3rd quarter: The steering group outlines future action proposals and available resources.
- 4th quarter: Measures for the following year in line with the budget proposal. Monitoring of the current year's measures.
The process of preparing the action plan
The newest step in the process first.
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The city's International Services Unit is responsible for the implementation and monitoring of the program.
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The program was discussed in committees and other influential bodies. After the opinion round, minor changes were made. The program was submitted to the City Board, where it was approved on May 19, 2025. After this, the program was submitted to the City Council for information on May 26, 2025.
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The MDI consultancy firm presented a draft of the programme, which was edited by the steering group. Statements were sought from the city's various committees and advocacy bodies on the draft action programme.
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Participatory workshops were organized for immigrants, decision-makers, and affiliated organizations. A workshop was also organized for the Children's Parliament. There were four workshops in total.
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The consulting firm MDI prepared a situational picture of immigration and internationality in Riihimäki. The situational picture consisted of statistical data, a survey of local residents, and interviews with key individuals.
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A steering group was invited to guide the preparation of the action plan, consisting of:
- Integration Manager Juha Hiltunen, Chairman,
- Mayor Jouni Eho,
- Director of Administration Petri Hirvonen,
- Director of Vitality Anna-Riitta Kujala,
- Director of Education Jari Lausvaara,
- Chief Technology and Innovation Officer Teemu Seppälä,
- RTOY CEO Samuel Koivisto,
- Communications and Marketing Manager Mia Miettinen,
- Integration expert Henri Hallanoro, secretary.
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Immediately after the seminar, a roadmap for the preparation of the action plan was drawn up and a competition was held to select a consulting firm to support the work. MDI was chosen as the consultant, and appointed four top experts to the task.
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At a city council seminar in autumn 2024, councillors expressed the need to prepare an action plan. The basis was the rapid internationalisation of the city of Riihimäki from 2023.