Mika Aalto: Welcome to Chemical Convention 2019

Dear Participants of the Chemical Convention 2019 in Helsinki,

Chemistry is all around us, from the water we drink and the food we eat, to the clothes we wear, the cars we drive, and the energy used to heat and light our homes. Chemistry is involved in over 95% of all manufactured goods. The chemical industry is one of the largest and most diversified industries in the world, and it supplies practically all sectors of the economy. This unique position makes chemical industry a key actor in helping other sectors become more energy- and resource-efficient.

The chemical industry also plays an important role in realizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the UN. The chemical sector helps to achieve all 17 SDG goals. In particular the chemical industry has a key contribution to at least six of the SDG goals: 2) Zero hunger, 3) Good health and well-being, 6) Clean water and sanitation, 7) Affordable and clean energy, 12) Responsible consumption and production, 13) Climate action.

For Europe, chemical industry is a true pillar of the European economy, offering 1.2 million jobs in Europe. The same is true for Finland: the chemical industry accounts for 20% of exports from Finland. Moreover, the chemical industry is an innovative sector by nature, and it creates a wealth of solutions for a sustainable future.

On behalf of the Finnish Chemical Industry, I have the pleasure to warmly welcome all the participants of the Chemical Convention 2019 to Helsinki. We are proud and honored to have you in Helsinki, coinciding with the Finnish Presidency of the European Union. We wish you will enjoy the meetings, as well as our beautiful city.

See you all in Helsinki!

Mika Aalto
Director General
Chemical Industry Federation of Finland