Actors in comprehensive security

All actors in society participate in the safeguarding of vital functions together. Collaboration extends from local to international level. Individuals are key actors in comprehensive security.

The strength of the Finnish comprehensive security concept is that it covers all sectors and levels of society. In addition, it considers the international obligations and makes use of the support provided by the international system for the security of Finnish society. The actors in public administration, business community and civil society form networks of comprehensive security that apply uniform principles and operate at different levels of society. Information exchange, setting of shared objectives and a commitment to collaboration between the international, national, regional, local and individual levels build a foundation for security in society. Finland actively participates in international cooperation to maintain and develop preparedness and response. The flexibility and continuity of collaboration between different sectors and levels in society are among the basic prerequisites of strengthening resilience.

 

 

Public administration

The government and ministries are in charge of the preparation of legislation, the general policies, resource allocation, operating principles, strategic steering, preparedness and response, as well as collaboration. Each ministry manages, supervises and coordinates, and steers preparedness in their respective sectors in accordance with the Emergency Powers Act and sector-specific legislation.

For the Åland Islands, the state and regional authorities together take care of those administrative tasks and measures concerning preparedness in civil defence, security of supply and general preparedness that usually belong to the state authorities. In fields of law that fall under the region’s legislative power, the regular crisis preparedness in normal conditions is the responsibility of the self-government. In Åland, drawing the line between this kind of crisis preparedness and preparedness for normal conditions requires case-specific discretion in the division of powers between the region and the state, as well as close collaboration in establishing situational awareness and in planning.

Business community

Businesses produce a significant share of the services related to the vital functions of society. The majority of society’s critical functions are privately owned. It is important to secure the continuity of the business community. Value and supply chains are global and increasingly interdependent, which is why the multiplier effects have highlighted the importance of international collaboration between business operators. The role of the business community is emphasised in disruptions which affect international logistics chains or require functional logistics chains for their management. Business community own and operate the majority of the infrastructure, services and production that are critical for security in society. In many sectors, statutory requirements have been set for businesses to ensure the continuity of their operations in all circumstances.

Civil society

In addition to organisations and associations, the comprehensive security actors of civil society include social networks, non-profit organisations and social movements that are based on the voluntary participation of people. Actors’ mutual trust is an essential part of maintaining society’s resilience. Civil society actors support individuals and communities in their preparedness for and response to disruptions and crises. At the same time, they strengthen the psychological resilience of people.

Individuals as security actors

Individuals’ functional capacity, as well as knowledge, skills and security-strengthening attitude, form the foundation of society’s resilience. In addition to all-round education and media literacy, the ability to function securely in the digital environment is an important aspect of civic competence today. The willingness to participate and help is evident not only through organisations and volunteer activities but also in the actions of family or community members, as neighbourly assistance, in village communities, social media networks, various groups, and through individual preparedness by citizens.

Everyone has the right to live in a safe and secure society. This perspective also emphasises the functional capacity of individuals based on the wellbeing of the body and the mind as a key factor of security. Individuals should maintain sufficient physical, psychological, social and ethical readiness. In addition, it is important to recognise factors that endanger the functional capacity, and to prepare for such threats in advance and take determined action to counter to them. Fundamentally, it is all about security attitude and a willingness to safeguard Finnish society.