CMI deputy chief executive Hanna Klinge has been appointed to the jury of the 2026 Minna Canth Award, a major Finnish prize recognising outstanding contributions to democracy, equality, and sustainable development.
Hanna Klinge, deputy chief executive of CMI – Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation, has been invited to join the jury of the 2026 Minna Canth Award. The annual Finnish award is presented to an individual or organisation that has made exceptional contributions at the national level or above to strengthening democracy and building a fair and sustainable future.
The €35,000-prize highlights work that promotes the principles of democracy and civil society, including equality and inclusion, freedom of expression, learning and sustainable development. It is administered by the City of Kuopio in collaboration with Savon Sanomat and the University of Eastern Finland. It is funded by donations.
Hanna Klinge has served CMI as deputy CEO since May 2021 and prior to that as acting executive director since January 2020. Before joining CMI in 2018, she was Country Director of the British Council.
“The award symbolises hope”
Klinge says she deeply values Minna Canth’s life’s work and legacy, and says that “the award symbolises hope by highlighting the continuous efforts of individuals and organisations to advance democracy, freedom of speech, and human rights.” She adds: “In CMI’s work, we see every day how vital it is to have inclusive approaches that ensure marginalised groups, especially women and youth, are part of shaping the future.”
She will sit on the jury alongside other notable figures in Finland, including Suzanne Innes-Stubb, Executive-in-Residence at Aalto University and spouse of the President of the Republic of Finland; Sixten Korkman, Doctor of Political Science; Siamäk Naghian, CEO of Genelec Oy; and Sirpa Kähkönen, writer and chair of the jury.
Candidates for the 2026 award are received by public nomination during the period 15 September 2025 to 15 October 2025. A pre-jury will announce a shortlist of up to ten nominees by 31 October 2025 before the winner is announced on 19 March 2026, which is observed as Minna Canth Day – or the day of Equality – each year in Finland.
Minna Canth: advocate for social justice
Minna Canth (1844–1897) was a writer, journalist, and social activist. Following the death of her husband, she ran a successful business in Kuopio while raising seven children. She became a fearless advocate for social justice and a prominent public voice in Finland. Strongly influenced by contemporary European ideals and the Realism artistic movement, she devoted much of her work to women’s rights, education, and equality.
Her writings and activism challenged the restricted role of women in 19th-century society, and she became known for her courage and independence. Today she is remembered as one of Finland’s leading advocates for equality, education, and non-discrimination. Her life and work are celebrated each year on 19 March, the day of her birth in 1844.