FRUGAL INNOVATION: FINLANDS SECRET DNA, A Conversation with Finland's First Ambassador for Innovation, Part 1

The Intelligent Community

Sareva was Finland’s Ambassador for Cyber Affairs before being named the country’s first Ambassador for Innovation. These two jobs were central to the success of Finland, which is known for its innovation in technology and the development of showcase cities, including ICF’s 2018 Intelligent Community of the Year, Espoo. He also served in directorships at the UN’s Office for Disarmament Affairs and the Institute for Disarmament Research. His advocacy for Finland as it current Consul General in New York and vision for the world’s cities keeps the focus on humanity as the center of the human experience. He discusses what he calls “frugal innovation” methods to continue to improve social quality of life.

Ambassador Jarmo Sareva is the Consul General of Finland in New York since September 1, 2022.

The Consulate General in New York promotes Finland’s commercial & cultural interests in the United States, focusing on thirty-five eastern states. It is also responsible for consular services in New York as well as in other states in its jurisdiction.

Mr. Sareva brings a wealth of experience to his position from both multilateral and bilateral diplomacy, especially in the field of arms control. Prior to his appointment in New York, Mr. Sareva served in Helsinki as Finland’s Ambassador for Cyber Affairs from 2021 to 2022 and Finland’s first Ambassador for Innovation from 2018 to 2021. From 2006 to 2018, he served in various positions at the UN in New York and Geneva, including as Director of the Geneva Branch of the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs and Director of the UN Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR).

Mr. Sareva’s previous diplomatic experience includes serving as Director for Arms Control, Disarmament and Non-Proliferation in Helsinki and as Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative of Finland to the UN in New York, as well as postings in Moscow, Washington, D.C., and Vienna.

Mr. Sareva is passionate about helping Finnish businesses expand to the U.S. market, promoting Finnish culture, and strengthening Finland’s country brand in the United States. Mr. Sareva holds an M.A. from the School of Advanced International Studies of Johns Hopkins University in Washington. He is married with two children and two grandchildren.