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How can decision-making set long-term goals that ensure the well-being of both current and future generations? Estonia has taken an interesting step in this direction by developing a cross-sectoral, long-term strategy called Eesti 2035, which outlines the country’s developmental direction. Estonia’s strategy serves as an example of how national-level decision-making can be aligned with commonly agreed goals—even across government terms.
The Eesti 2035 strategy was developed under the leadership of the Government Office and the Ministry of Finance between 2018 and 2020, during which over 17,000 Estonian citizens were consulted.
The strategy defines five key long-term goals, formulated with input from citizens:
- People: Estonians are smart, active, and care about their health.
- Society: Estonian society is caring, cooperative, and open.
- Economy: Estonia’s economy is strong, innovative, and responsible.
- Living environment: Estonia offers a safe and high-quality living environment that meets the needs of all residents.
- Governance: Estonia is an innovative, reliable, and people-centered country.
Estonia has also identified key societal changes necessary to achieve these long-term goals. These include, for example, the need to ensure that the education system responds to future labor market demands, and to develop living environments and services that support the vitality and attractiveness of regions across the country.
In practice, various administrative branches plan their work in each government term in a way that also supports long-term goals. Progress is monitored through indicators with set targets. All ministers participate annually in reporting the strategy to Parliament. The strategy is also integrated into the budgeting process.
Why Might Finland Also Need a Long-Term Strategy?
Finland also has strong initiatives related to sustainability and foresight, such as the government’s reports on the future and sustainable development action plans. While these are important, they often remain disconnected from strategic governance and fail to provide a shared direction for decision-making. Moreover, a time span limited to a single government term is insufficient to tackle major societal transformations—such as the climate crisis, demographic shifts, or technological development.
Therefore, it is worth considering whether Finland needs a new, future-oriented decision-making tool: a national long-term strategy.
In December 2024, the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) published a proposal for a governance model and monitoring indicators for a wellbeing economy, aiming to systematically integrate sustainable wellbeing into national-level decision-making. One of the recommended measures is that Finland, inspired by Estonia’s example, should develop a long-term national development strategy focused on securing sustainable wellbeing for both current and future generations.
Such a strategy could define goals extending, for example, to 2050, and link them to Finland’s strategic governance—such as the government programme, implementation monitoring, and the government’s annual report. A long-term strategy would help ensure that the wellbeing of people and nature is not only visible in national decision-making, but also guides how public funds are allocated.
Eesti 2035 is a Strong Example of Looking Ahead
Eesti 2035 shows how even a small country can boldly set its sights on the future. A long-term strategy is not a forecast—it is a tool for building a shared vision. It also increases societal resilience, trust, and consistency in decision-making.
Is now the time for Finland to launch a cross-sectoral, citizen-inclusive strategic process that looks toward the 2050s?
Join the Conversation at Frontline Forum in May 2025
Long-term strategic thinking, the wellbeing economy, and society’s capacity for renewal will be at the heart of the Frontline Forum event “Wellbeing Economy – A New Paradigm for Finland”, held in Helsinki on May 20–21.
The event will showcase international examples of how to center human and planetary wellbeing in decision-making. Estonia’s long-term strategy and its practical use as a governance tool will be presented by Birgit Lüüs-Jakobs, Head of Strategic Planning at the Government Office of Estonia.
You are warmly welcome!
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