World Village Festival is Finland’s leading event for global action for the whole family, an admission free cultural festival, a food carnival and a trade fair for sustainable development. World Village raises global challenges and solutions, increases people’s understanding and provides concrete ways to take action to create change. World Village brings people together, because only together we can change the world.
World Village Festival has been organized since 1995 and gathers around 60–70 000 people yearly. The main organizer is Finnish Development NGOs Fingo, which is an umbrella organization for approximately 270 development organizations. The main partners are the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the Maailman Kuvalehti magazine. Read more about the festival’s history.
Theme for 2023 Festival: Force for Change!
It is difficult to change the world on your own, but together we can do it. Together we are a force for change.
Inequalities and injustices are increasing. Human rights are being violated and restrictions are being placed on free civil society actors. The challenge posed by climate change to humanity is growing bigger every day.
It will take all of us to reverse the unsustainable course that our planet is on − to eradicate inequalities and discrimination and to build the kind of future that we want to see. We believe that we can do it, but only as a united force acting together.
World Village Festival will bring individuals and communities interested in the Earth’s future together for solutions and actions in May 2023. Join in to change the world and to create a collective force for change!
Location and other event sites
World Village Festival will be held in Suvilahti, Helsinki. The address is Kaasutehtaankatu 1 / Sörnäisten rantatie 22, 00540 Helsinki. The festival area is located few kilometers away from the centre of Helsinki and is easily accessible by public transportation, bike or foot. We recommend the use of public transportation or bicycling when coming to the festival.
The closest stations and stops:
Metro – Sörnäinen and Kalasatama
Bus – Suvilahti and Sörnäinen, Sörnäisten rantatie
Tram – Sörnäinen, Lintulahti, Helsinginkatu and Kaarlenkatu
For more detailed information about public transportation, please visit The Helsinki Region journey planner (Reittiopas) by HSL.
Other event sites
- Film screening and discussion, Kino Regina, Oodi Library: Töölönlahdenkatu 4, 00100 Helsinki (17.45–20.00 on Mon 22 May, film age guidance: 7, free admission)
- World Class Club, Tenho Restobar: Helsinginkatu 15, 00500 Helsinki (18.00–20.00 on Wed 24 May, free admission)
- Fiesta Latina – World Village Festival Afterparty, Café Koma: Eläintarhantie 12, 00530 Helsinki (21.00–04.00 on Sat 27 May, over-22s only, free admission)
- Afro Sunday – World Village Festival Afterparty, Baarikärpänen: Keskuskatu 8, 00100 Helsinki (20.00–04.00 on Sun 28 May, over-18s only, admission €10)
The Speaker’s Stage programme will be streamed live on the festival’s website during the event and can be watched anywhere in the world. The programs that will be streamed can be found in the Online programme listing.
You can also check out the programme, schedule and map from the World Village Festival magazine.
Safer space for everyone
There is a first aid stand, the police and information points at the festival site. See the map.
The festival and all of its digital channels are safe spaces, and any inappropriate behaviour or harassment is forbidden. Inappropriate comments are not allowed and will be removed from all social media channels. This year’s World Village Festival will provide access to the services of a Harassment Contact Person in case of any incidents of harassment. Read more.
Tellervo, Harassment Contact Person
+358 41 588 3452
hairintayhteyshenkilo@maailmakylassa.fi
Forbidden items
All such objects and substances described as prohibited by law. In addition to this:
- Tools, knives, hammers, pliers, etc., without accreditation
- Poles over a meter long, telescopic rods, etc.
- Umbrellas
- Compressed air horns and other mechanical/electrical noise-producing devices
- Laser pointers and radio transmitters etc. electrical equipment
- Flares, smoke, fireworks, etc
- Racist or degrading texts or images
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the festival have an admission fee?
No. Entrance to the festival area is free.
Does the festival have an age limit?
Most of the festival’s programme is open to everyone regardless of age.
Where should I enquire about lost property?
Lost property can be inquired from the festival sites and the info. After the festival on Monday, lost property is delivered to Lost & Found International.
Is the festival accessible?
The entire festival area is barrier-free and open to all. The area in front of the Main Stage features a raised platform for wheelchair users to view programme on the stage. The Speakers’ Stage is equipped with an induction loop system. Read more about accessibility.
Is there a baby changing and feeding facility on the festival site?
Yes. You can find it at the Kids’ Corner. More information can be found on the Children’s festival page.
Does the festival account for its carbon footprint?
Yes. Read more about the festival’s environmental work and carbon footprint on the Environment page.
Who organises the festival?
The festival is hosted by Fingo ry, an umbrella organisation for 270 CSOs and an expert organisation in the field of development. Fingo is funded through the Ministry for Foreign Affairs’ development cooperation appropriations.
The World Village Festival is an excellent opportunity to get to know Fingo and its member organisations. The festival’s exhibitors include hundreds of NGOs as well as educational institutions, museums, public authorities and companies.
For a more sustainable and just world
World Village Festival is a sustainable development event open for all. Festival is organized by Fingo, so that life would be better – for everyone.