On Tuesday 27.5.2025, the former Centre for Neighbourhood Mediation and the current Centre for Residential Peace celebrated its milestone by inviting its network, steering group and other key partners to celebrate at Gillet Bar & Bistro Festsale in Helsinki. The celebration started with a speech by Antti Heikinheimo, President of the Finnish Mediation Forum, who among other things highlighted the importance and background of our work. ”The mediation of conflicts relating to neighbourhood and housing has been a sub-type of mediation since the beginning. Housing and neighbourhood conflicts are a specific type of conflict and it is therefore important that there is a specific centre for mediation, dedicated to housing and mediation. A place where mediation on this subject can develop and grow in terms of expertise, in order to support social peace in an increasingly pluralistic, multicultural and multi-challenging social reality. NSK has been part of the success story of mediation rooted in Finland. The Centre for Neighbourly Mediation is doing important work in line with best mediation practices and with great results. This work deserves the full support of the Finnish Mediation Forum.”
After the welcoming remarks, we listened to project manager Kethlin Lörincz's overview of the Centre's journey to the present moment. With a forward-looking approach, we also looked beyond 2025. Halfway through our celebration, we enjoyed coffee and snacks as well as live music by Duo Vilja & Elona. University researcher Eeva Puumala, PhD, took our guests on a tour of neighbourhoods in Finland and Sweden, talking about the changing nature of neighbourhoods and coexistence. After a very interesting lecture, we unveiled our new name, our new logo and our new-look website.
Finally, accompanied by champagne, we spent some time networking together before the festivities dispersed.
Thank you to all our co-hosts for the shared celebration, the warm memories and all the remembrances we received!
