Address by Bishop Teemu Laajasalo at the Opening Ceremony of the Finnish Southern Africa Cooperation Institute, 9 October 2025, Windhoek, Namibia
Your Excellencies, distinguished guests, dear friends,
Two days ago, I visited Olukonda, some seven hundred kilometres north of here. There stands an old church known as Nakambale Church – named after its builder. Nakambale means “a small hat” in the local language, a name given to the Finnish missionary Martti Rautanen.
Martti Rautanen and his colleagues were commissioned for their journey at the altar of the Cathedral of Helsinki – exactly one hundred and fifty-seven years, four months, and twenty-three days ago. His grave now lies beside the church in Olukonda.
His life’s work reminds us, as we celebrate this day, that the bond between Finland and southern Africa is both long and unique – a connection built on faith, courage, and mutual learning.
The work of those first missionaries was not one-directional. Here in the south, they preached the gospel and taught the people. Yet through them, Finns also learned – for the first time on a larger scale – about Africa: its people, its languages, its cultures, and its world, which broadened their own.
Today, as we celebrate this occasion, we can learn at least three things from the life of Martti Rautanen.
First, he had a vision – and he was willing to overcome obstacles for the sake of that vision.
Second, he came here deeply committed to his mission, yet also humble and ready to commit himself to this land and its people. He did not wish merely to bring a message, but to share a life. His vision was not private property – it was a shared journey.
Third, he faced many worldly challenges – financial, political, and personal. He endured misunderstandings and disappointments. And yet, his diaries breathe persistence and hope. He did not abandon his vision, even when the road was rough.
Today, as we open the Finnish Southern Africa Cooperation Institute, we can see something of that same spirit.
This Institute, too, has a vision – to build bridges between Finland and southern Africa through science, culture, education, and enterprise.
This Institute, too, is committed – to working with perseverance, respect, and partnership. Its aim is to be part of the broader network of Finnish cultural and scientific institutes, while at the same time taking root deeply in the realities and questions of southern Africa.
This Institute, too, will face its everyday challenges – as every new venture does.
The Institute operates in the heart of southern Africa – here in Windhoek – but its work reaches across borders: to Botswana, Malawi, Zambia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and other SADC countries. It builds not only research and cultural exchange, but a shared future in which science, art, and human understanding walk hand in hand.
The great questions of our time – climate change, biodiversity loss, food security, intercultural understanding – know no borders. Therefore, this Institute is not merely a building or an organization. It is a bridge where knowledge, creativity, and hope may meet.
As the Chair of the Citizens’ Council of the Institute, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all who have contributed in various ways to the creation of this Institute. My special thanks go to the Chair of the Board, Rector Emeritus Kalervo Väänänen.
Your Excellencies, distinguished listeners,
On this day of celebration, let us remember those who walked a long road before us – with a vision in their hearts and a hat upon their heads – and let us remember that every true vision lives only when it is shared with others.
May this Institute be a place where our shared vision continues – together, courageously, and with attentive hearts.May God bless the Institute and all who work within its sphere.