Sanna Marin joins British think tank and consultancy
Former Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin has joined the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, a London-based policy think tank and consultancy, as a strategic advisor.
The former leader of Finland – and the youngest to ever hold the position of prime minister – announced her decision to join the Tony Blair Institute (TBI) after resigning from her position as a member of parliament.
“I am extremely grateful to everyone who voted for me in the election. The decision was not easy, but I believe it is the right one,” Marin said during her resignation announcement.
Marin had previously resigned as leader of Finland’s Social Democratic Party, a left-wing party, and formally stepped down in April. She enjoyed both domestic and international popularity as one of the youngest world leaders and a champion of leftist causes.
A strong supporter of Ukraine, Marin spearheaded Finland’s bid to join NATO with an avalanche of public support, much to the chagrin of Russia, with whom Finland has long maintained icy relations going back to the Soviet-era Winter War.
“Our mission is to help political leaders worldwide deliver change for their people – and Sanna Marin knows exactly how to do that. Sanna is bold and practical, understands the role that technology can play as the enabler of a more efficient and citizen-centred state, and will lend her experience to our mission in more countries throughout the world,” said Tony Blair, Executive Chairman at TBI.
Though the TBI did not specify exactly what projects Marin may get involved with in her new role, a press release mentioned her valuable experience in setting “the world’s most ambitious climate targets” and experience with “a programme of digitalisation and deployment of technology.”
In its own words, the TBI’s main goals are “helping governments and leaders turn bold ideas into reality” and “advising on strategy, policy and delivery.” The firm’s main objective, largely in line with Marin’s progressive ideals, is to help develop “open, inclusive and prosperous countries for people everywhere.”
With a clear political lean and an international scope, the Tony Blair Institute has over 750 staff members listed on LinkedIn in more than 30 countries. The organisation focuses on political strategy, public policy, and technology expertise.