Karita Laisi
Humanist of the day

Karita Laisi

Karita Laisi is active in the humanities and is a do-gooder, public official and member of numerous clubs and societies. She believes in active citizenship, which changes the world both near and far. She feels that a person involved in development work needs grass-roots experience. At present she works for the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in Palestine, so her many pastimes at home, such as the circus and theatre, are on hold.

Karita Laisi

Karita Johanna Laisi
Born April 5, 1969, Kauniainen

Bachelor of Arts 1996 (Spanish and Latin American Studies), University of Southampton
Master of Arts (Spanish Philology), University of Helsinki

Special Adviser on development policy 2014–, Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland
Special Adviser, peace and reconciliation 2012–14, Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Mission
Development cooperation coordinator, regional manager 2010–12 (Jerusalem), Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Mission
Project manager 2007–08, Finnish Youth Association
Teaching assistant, research assistant 2002–06, University of Helsinki

Photo: Malachy Harty
Written by Karita Laisi (Riitta-Ilona Hurmerinta, ed.)
Translated by Matthew Billington

At work in Palestine

At present I am working in the service of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland in Ramallah in the occupied Palestinian territories as an expert adviser on development policy. The work is rewarding and inspiring but sometimes also frustrating.

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My Best Memories from the University of Helsinki

I came to the University of Helsinki from the University of Southampton, where I did my bachelor’s degree. I didn’t know how the University of Helsinki worked or what studying at a Finnish university was like. My ‘wild student life’ really passed me by, as when I came to the University of Helsinki I was already a mother.

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