Scroll down to see some of the many good things about the Nordics
The Nordics refer to five Northern European countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden, along with their associated territories like Greenland and the Faroe Islands.
These countries share strong historical, cultural, and political ties, as well as similar values such as social welfare, democracy, and gender equality.
The Nordic countries are widely admired for their high quality of life, progressive values, low corruption, and beautiful natural landscapes—ranging from fjords and forests to the Northern Lights.
While they are often grouped together, each country has its own language, government, and unique identity.
Society & Quality of Life
Nordic countries top global happiness and safety rankings, with low crime, social equality, and strong welfare systems.
Healthcare & Education
Universal healthcare and free education, including university, plus support for adult learning.
Governance & Transparency
Transparent, low-corruption governments, press freedom, and global leadership in gender equality.
Work-Life Balance
Clean air and water, high renewable energy use (hydro, wind, geothermal), and strict environmental laws.
Environment & Sustainability
Clean air and water, high renewable energy use (hydro, wind, geothermal), and strict environmental laws.
Innovation & Technology
High digital literacy, startups in tech and green innovation, with hubs in Stockholm, Helsinki, and Copenhagen.
Nature & Outdoor Life
Stunning landscapes, outdoor culture ("friluftsliv"), and the Northern Lights.
Culture & Cuisine
Modern design icons, traditional dishes like gravlax and reindeer, and rich folklore.
Why Finland?
Finland is one of the Nordic countries located in Northern Europe, known for its pristine natural landscapes, high standard of living, and innovative society. Finland population of is around 5.5 million people and covers an area of about 338,000 square kilometers, making it one of the most sparsely populated countries in Europe.
The country borders Sweden, Norway, Russia, and the Baltic Sea. Finland’s geography features vast forests, thousands of lakes (over 180,000), and the famous Northern Lights, which can be visible in the winter months.
Finland is renowned for its excellence in education, digital infrastructure, and environmental sustainability. Society emphasizes equality, safety, and well-being, often ranking highly on global happiness and quality of life indices.
With a rich cultural heritage rooted in Sami traditions, folklore, and modern arts, Finland offers a unique blend of tradition and innovation.
Helsinki, the capital and largest city in Finland, is a vibrant city with around 650,000 residents. Known as the "Daughter of the Baltic" or the "Pearl of the Baltic", Helsinki is located at the tip of a peninsula and on 315 islands.
The city offers abundant parks, islands, and green spaces, emphasizing sustainability. It’s a hub for education, innovation, and tech startups, with efficient public transportation.
Helsinki beautifully blends history, natural beauty, and modern living, making it a dynamic and welcoming place.
Our trip takes you to Finnish Lapland, a breathtaking Arctic wonderland in northern Finland, a year-round destination known for its Arctic wilderness, Northern Lights, snow, reindeer, endless summer midnight sun, rich Sámi culture — and of course, Santa Claus, who lives in Lapland.
Lapland covers nearly a third of Finland, stretching from the fell highlands of the far north to the unique archipelago of the Bothnian Bay.
The eight seasons of northern nature offer stunning phenomena for us to marvel at. The Northern Lights, midnight sun and autumn colours are accompanied by the polar night, the snow-covered spring and the world’s cleanest air.
In Lapland, it’s possible to see the Northern Lights from late August until late April. There are two equinoxes each year — the autumn equinox in September and the spring (or vernal) equinox. Equinox literally means ‘equal night’ in Latin: it’s when we experience equal hours of day and night, roughly 12 hours each, across the world.
Welcome to Finland!
TERVETULOA – BURESBOAHTIN - VÄLKOMNA - VELKOMMEN – VELKOMINN – VELKOMST - TIKILLUARIT
✨ An Exclusive Gala Dinner Night ✨
150€ (66.3 BHD)
Step into an evening of refinement, artistry, and timeless elegance as we host an unforgettable gala, where every detail promises sophistication and grandeur.
Be enchanted by the mesmerizing sand art performance of Kseniya Simonova, a world-renowned artist whose delicate hands breathe life into sand, creating powerful, emotional stories before your very eyes. Her mesmerizing sand art has captivated audiences in over 70 countries, from the Sydney Opera House to the Special Olympic Games, and has inspired millions around the world. This night, she will bring her artistry to life, captivating us with a performance that transcends boundaries and ignites the imagination.
Discover true elegance on the runway with a captivating Modest Fashion Show, highlighting the best in modest fashion that beautifully blends cultural tradition with modern style. The runway will showcase exclusive collections from some of the world’s top designers, celebrating the rich, diverse expressions of femininity, while honouring the timeless art of modest fashion. A celebration of both beauty and culture, the show promises to leave you inspired and in awe.
Exclusive Tours
THE MOST UNIQUE & EXCLUSIVE AURORA BOREALIS TRIP TO
FINLAND & NORWAY → 20–26.9.2025 (6 nights/7 days)
FINLAND, NORWAY & ICELAND → 21–28.9.2025 (8 nights/9 days)
FINLAND, NORWAY, ICELAND & ESTONIA → 20/21.9–1.10.2025 (12 nights/13 days)
Join the most unique and exclusive Aurora Borealis trip hosted by Stella Polare Events, taking you through Finland, Norway, Sweden, and Iceland to witness the magical Northern Lights, stunning autumn landscapes, volcanic wonders, and unforgettable Arctic adventures. Book your spot now!
WAW - Nordics Forum 2025
(Finland Edition) Speakers
WAW features a dynamic lineup of speakers including entrepreneurs, executives, activists, and thought leaders from across the globe. These speakers share their insights and stories, inspiring attendees to pursue personal and professional growth.
Katja
Presnal
Author, and founder of Crush Movement, a platform amplifying women’s voices and leadership. A pioneer in digital marketing and recipient of multiple American Advertising Awards, she has worked with Fortune 100 companies, global brands, and entrepreneurs worldwide. Featured in The New York Times, Forbes, and ELLE Asia, Katja co-authored the Amazon-bestselling book Big Rich Money.
Finland 🇫🇮
Special ⭐ Guest Speaker
Dr. Siham Ahmed
Yousif Al Harthi
CEO & Founder of Siham Development and Investment, Board Member of Oman Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Strategic Leader in Real Estate Development, and PhD in Business Administration
Oman 🇴🇲
Special Guest Speaker
Kseniya
Simonova
World-Renowned Sand Artist, Got Talent Winner, Golden Buzzer Finalist on America’s Got Talent: Champions and Britain’s Got Talent: Champions, and International Performance Artist
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Special Guest Speaker
Valeriya
Hjertenaes
CEO & Founder of GNMA / Global Neurodiversity Management Association, Awarded Podcast Host of Diversity is THE GAME CHANGER, PhD in Diversity Management in Industrial Sustainable Projects
Denmark 🇩🇰 & Ukraine 🇺🇦
Special Guest Speaker
Linda
Al-Faisal
TV Presenter, Actress, Founder & Host of @linda_and_vision2030 Podcast, Brand Ambassador, and Award-Winning Media Talent
Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦
Keynote Speaker
Asmaa
Alkuwari
International Award Winning Coach, Author and Founder of You're Not Alone Community
Qatar 🇶🇦
Keynote Speaker
Albtool
Aljbreen
Business Development & Investment Specialist, Public Relations Leader, NGO & Non-Profit Expert, Driving Growth & Strategic Partnerships, PMP Certified
Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦
Keynote Speaker
Mavis
Yao
General manager of culture and art division at MIE Groups DMCC, leader in China-MENA cultural trade, board member of China-Arab Friendship Association, adviser to Yixing “Going Global” Platform, strategic partnerships across UAE, Saudi Arabia and Iran, cultural innovation and diplomacy expert.
China 🇨🇳
Keynote Speaker
Gaëlle
Berruel
CEO & Founder of A Rockstar Mindset, UK Ambassador for Psychologies Magazine, London Chair of the G100 Female CEOs at the Women Economic Forum, Best-selling Author of Women Making A Difference, Contributor at Business Insider & Brainz Magazine, Multi-award-winning Visibility & Confidence Coach & Award-Winning Motivational Speaker to Senior Women Leaders In Corporate
UK 🇬🇧 & France 🇫🇷
Keynote Speaker
Rahma
Hersi
Founder & Managing Director of Sakina Journeys Oy, Lawyer, Researcher, Community Builder, and Advocate for Women’s Economic Empowerment
Kenya 🇰🇪 & Finland 🇫🇮
Keynote Speaker
Esmeralda
De Souza-Obwaka
Founder & CEO of Spez Limited, Entrepreneur, Creative Business Leader, and Recipient of the Babson College Launch & Grow Scholarship
Kenya 🇰🇪
Keynote Speaker
Nikiara
Purmambietova
Nikiara Purmambietova is the Founder & CEO of Modest Beauty Corp (ModestBeauty.co), the first global marketplace for modest fashion. A Crimean-Tatar entrepreneur and Lead Business Analyst at Exadel, she combines 15+ years of experience in tech and startups with her personal journey in modest fashion. Previously, she founded uCat, a retail tech platform used by leading chains like Metro. Today, she focuses on building inclusive platforms, mentoring in business analysis, and empowering women founders worldwide.
Ukraine 🇺🇦 & Turkey 🇹🇷
Keynote Speaker
Michelle
H. S. Quick
CEO & Founder of HBBA Denmark, International Speaker, Author, Mental Health Consultant, Country Chairwoman for Denmark at AICHLS, and Leader at WBAF
Denmark 🇩🇰
Keynote Speaker
Halina
Rosa
Fashion Designer, Artist, Author, Publisher & Researcher in Art and Design, Founder & President of the Halina Rosa Foundation for the Promotion of Culture and International Cooperation, Editor-in-Chief of DESIGNER Magazine, Ambassador of the Polish Diaspora’s National Cultural Heritage, Recognised with the Ambassador of Businesswomen Award (Poland & Sweden), Woman with Passion Award, Golden Pen Award, and Women Changing the World Awards in Media and Sustainability.
Poland 🇵🇱 & Sweden 🇸🇪
Keynote Speaker
Nina
Fedorova
Zumba Instructor, Model, Komparse (Film/TV Extra), Creator, and Coach
Nina believes that every woman has the power to shine with confidence and authenticity. Through the art of body language, personalised coaching, and the joy of movement, she creates an empowering space for businesswomen to thrive.
Germany 🇩🇪 & Russia 🇷🇺
Keynote Speaker
Krista
Mulenok
Secretary General of the Estonian Atlantic Treaty Association and represents Estonia in the G100 Security and Defence Wing.
Master’s graduate in Law, Economics, and Community Work, Member of NATO’s Civil Society Advisory Panel on Women, Peace, and Security
Estonia 🇪🇪
Keynote Speaker
Chenai
Kadungure
Executive Director of the Black Physicians Association of Ontario (BPAO), Secretary General of the Global Litigation and Advocacy Network for People of African Descent (GLANPAD), G100 Canada Chair for Equity and Equality, Rotary International Assistant Public Image Chair, Pan-Africanist Social Impact and Equity Champion, Public Speaker and Global Collaborator for Peace
Canada 🇨🇦
Keynote Speaker
Suriati
Supani
International Speaker | Next Top Speaker -2nd Place Winner | Author | Travel Consultant | Serial Entrepreneur | Co-host of Podcast ‘Asian & Proud’ | Cultural Ambassador | Northern Lights Whisperer
Singapore 🇸🇬 & Norway 🇳🇴
Keynote Speaker
Event Programme
17 September
Arrival to Helsinki, the capital of Finland
Welcome Ceremony - Introductions, small speeches, dinner
18 September
08:30AM - 16:15PM
WAW Nordics Forum Opening Day in Scandic Grand Marina & Marina Congress Center Press Room
08:30 AM – 09:30 AM
Registration is Open
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Networking coffee
09:00 AM – 09:25 AM
Welcome- Tervetuloa – Opening Speeches & Introduction to the WAW-Nordics 2025 (Finland Edition)
Female Leaders: What it Takes to Get There
09:25 AM – 09:45 AM
Keynote speeches
09:50 AM – 10:30 AM
Panel discussion; Interactive Discussion; Q&A
Life on Land & Sea – Why it Matters?
10:40 AM – 11:00 AM
Keynote speeches
11:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Panel discussion; Interactive Discussion; Q&A
Coffee Break
Women Leading the Way in Sustainability: Empowering Change for a Greener Future
11:50 AM – 12:20 PM
Keynote speeches
12:20 PM – 13:00 PM
Panel discussion; Interactive Discussion; Q&A
13:00 PM – 14:25 PM
LUNCH BREAK
Women and AI: Bridging Gender Gaps and Shaping the Future of Technology
14:25 PM – 15:00 PM
Keynote speeches
15:00 PM – 15:25 PM
Interactive Discussion; Q&A
17:00 PM - 18:00PM
Final words.
End of the FIRST FORUM DAY
19 September
After Breakfast
-
Touring in Helsinki
-
Possible Meetings
16:45 PM
Transfer to the Airport
19:00 PM
Flight from Helsinki to Rovaniemi, the Capital of Lapland
20:20 PM
Arrival to Rovaniemi, Accommodation in Santa Claus Holiday Village
Your first experience with Crossing the Polar Zone and the Northern Lights at night!
20 September
9:30AM - 16:15PM
WAW-Nordics 2025 (Finland Edition) 2nd Day in Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland
08:30 AM – 09:30 AM
Registration is Open
-
Networking coffee
How to Support Mental & Physical Wellbeing
09:25 AM – 09:45 AM
Keynote speeches
09:45 AM – 10:30 AM
Panel discussion; Interactive Discussion; Q&A
Inspiring Stories of Women Changemakers
10:40 AM – 11:00 AM
Keynote speeches
11:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Panel discussion; Interactive Discussion; Q&A
Coffee Break
Women’s Stories: Sharing Traditions and Heritage Across Generations
11:50 AM – 12:20 PM
Keynote speeches
12:20 PM – 13:00 PM
Panel discussion; Interactive Discussion; Q&A
13:00 PM – 14:25 PM
LUNCH BREAK
Women and Cultural Identity: Celebrating Diversity and Tradition
14:25 PM – 15:00 PM
Keynote speeches
15:00 PM – 15:25 PM
Interactive Discussion; Q&A
Women’s Roles in Innovation and Value Creation
15:25 PM – 15:50 PM
Keynote speeches
15:50 PM – 16:15 PM
Interactive Discussion; Q&A
Final words.
End of the SECOND FORUM DAY
20:00 PM
Gala Dinner & Awards Night
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Opening speeches, special program, Awards
-
Gala Dinner
21 September
After breakfast, EXPLORING ROVANIEMI.
Teamworks in the beautiful nature of Lapland. Be ready for unforgettable surprises!
About Women Around the World (WAW)
The Women Around the World (WAW) is a global platform dedicated to empowering women from all sectors by fostering economic growth and promoting inclusivity. WAW-Nordics brings together influential women leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators to collaborate, exchange ideas, and create meaningful solutions for the future. Join us at WEF Nordics to connect with like-minded individuals and contribute to shaping a brighter, more equitable world.
Be part of a transformative experience at the Women Around the World - Nordics Forum 2025 (Finland Edition), happening from 18-20 September 2025.