Programs and Events 2007
Ambassador Ware Visits Rovaniemi – Gateway to Finnish Lapland
On her first trip to Lapland, Ambassador Marilyn Ware visited Rovaniemi on October 4-7 as the official guest of Hannele Pokka, Governor of the Province of Lapland. On the evening of October 4th, Ambassador Ware was the guest of honor at a dinner hosted by Governor Pokka; other attendees included key educational, military and religious leaders from the region. On the morning of October 5th, Ambassador Ware spoke to nearly 200 students and facility at the University of Lapland about climate change and Afghanistan. Highlighting U.S. action to address climate change, Ambassador Ware also spoke about the significant Major Economies Meeting on climate change hosted by Secretary Rice on September 27-28. Ambassador Ware spoke about positive developments in Afghanistan, including the educational opportunities that are now offered to children in Afghanistan, especially girls who received no formal education during the Taliban regime. Ambassador Ware welcomed Finnish actions in Afghanistan aimed at improving the lives of those in the region.
Following a lunch with officials from the city of Rovaniemi, Ambassador Ware visited with leading authorities on Arctic and climate change issues at the world-renowned Arktikum (Arctic Center). Her visit to Rovaniemi also included a hands-on demonstration of Lappset Group playground equipment at Lapland University’s Teacher Training School and a visit to the Nuotta Youth Center where youth leaders and social workers shared with Ambassador Ware recent successful measures to reduce underage drinking of alcohol. Ambassador Ware also met with officials from the Lapland Chamber of Commerce, the northernmost Chamber of Commerce in the European Union.
Ambassador Ware visited several popular tourist sites in Lapland including the Konttaniemi Reindeer Farm and Santa Claus Village. Ambassador Ware’s visit to Lapland concluded with the anniversary meeting of Lotta Svärd, the Finnish women’s association that proved so critical to Finland during the war period. Referring to them as “the bold and the beautiful,” Ambassador Ware lauded the Lottas who sacrificed so much for their country.
See also: The University of Lapland website: "Suurlähettiläs Marilyn Ware: Talouskasvu ja ilmastonmuutoksen hallinta eivät sulje pois toisiaan"