The Functional Finland Summit held on 14 January 2026 at Finlandia Hall brought together Finland’s top political and business leaders as well as key experts to discuss the future of physical functioning. At the summit, a parliamentary declaration was approved with the aim of increasing the level of physical functioning by 15 per cent by 2040.
At the summit, the first national Physical Functioning Index value (100) was published. Results from the FINFIT population study show a declining trend in the physical functioning of the Finnish population and highlight the urgent need for action.
The summit outlined Finland’s commitment to increasing the level of physical functioning of the population by 15 per cent from the current level by 2040. Progress towards the target will be assessed regularly. The first interim evaluation will be conducted in 2030, at which point progress will be reviewed and any necessary follow-up measures defined. Finland is the first country in the world to set such a target.
The aim is to initiate a cultural shift. This requires action across education, working life, social and healthcare services, as well as strategic decision-making at both national and local levels. At the same time, it concerns everyday life and the issues that receive attention in public debate. With a shared goal, we can all take steps in the same direction.
The parliamentary declaration adopted at the summit emphasises that physical functioning must be placed at the centre of all policy sectors. According to the declaration, strong conditions must be created to support good physical functioning throughout the life course. All parliamentary parties committed to promoting the national physical functioning target across government terms.
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Press release by the Finnish Olympic Committee and the UKK Institute and other summit materials from 14 January 2026: The summit set the world’s first target level for physical functioning
14.1.2026