In July, we're talking about civilization – the talk program is now out

The Jyväskylän Kesän cultural festival’s lecture series has served as a significant catalyst for thought for eight decades. This year’s theme for the lecture series, which fosters bold, timely, and multifaceted discussion, is culture. The lecture series is also available on Yle Areena.

This year's program will address, guided by experts, polarizing and polarized education, the freedom and responsibility brought by educated discussion, the causes and consequences of overconsumption, and the state of Finland's educational capital. In addition, during the festival week from July 2nd to 8th, you can stroll through your own thoughts guided by philosophers, gain concrete tools for educated discussion, and learn how to harness your own backyard or balcony for pollinators.

The venue for the free lecture series in Jyväskylä is the main building of the University of Jyväskylä, one of Alvar Aalto’s most significant architectural works. The panel discussions will feature an impressive lineup of researchers, decision-makers, influencers, artists, and other experts: this year’s panelists include Jenni Haukio, Juha Hurme, and Satu Silvo. The program is organized by Jyväskylän Kesä in collaboration with the University of Jyväskylä’s resource wisdom community JYU.Wisdom, the well-being research community JYU.Well, and the teacher education development and research community JYU.Edu. The opening seminar is organized by the City of Jyväskylä, the University of Jyväskylä, and Keskisuomalainen Oyj.

The Jyväskylän Kesä Festival, celebrating its 70th anniversary, will be held from July 2 to 8, 2025. The multidisciplinary program includes theater, concerts, dance, films, discussions, workshops, and the hugely popular Puistojuhlat park festival. Last year, the festival attracted a record number of visitors—over 40,000.

Explore the speech program here.