Malcolm Damon, EJN executive director, visited Helsinki, Finland, from 14 – 20 October 2008 by invitation of the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Mission (FELEM), which asked him to be a keynote speaker at a Seminar on Food Security. The seminar coincided with the International World Food Day and the Week of Action on Food of the Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance (EAA).

 In addition, Damon was to engage and present the African civil society on the EPAs to government officials and civil society organisations. On Wednesday, 15 Oct, Damon had a meeting with Markku Kaupinem, Ambassador of Trade and Development in the Finnish government and 8 other government officials from the Ministry of Trade including the official responsible for the EPAs.

Damon explained the Stop EPAs campaign and gave a background of Africa Trade Networks position before some governments agreed to an initialled agreement. In addition he made it clear that African civil society are not in favour of a comprehensive EPAs agreement and have major problems with the European Commission’s push to include government procurement, trade facilitation and other “Singapore Issues” onto African governments.

The Finnish delegation mentioned their strong focus on Aid for Trade and their commitment to the EPAs. They also made it clear that the EPAs will have to be ratified by their parliament. Furthermore various issues of concern to both parties were discussed.

In the afternoon Damon addressed Finnish development organisations from KEPA, Service Centre for Development Cooperation, at their offices. The meeting again look at the above issues and especially also referred to a Finnish Documentary on EPAs where the Namibian government is very critical of the EPAs.  On Thursday, 16 October 2008, on International World Food Day, Damon was the keynote speaker at seminar Food for All: On Whose Terms, organised by the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Mission (FELEM) 

In his address he explained what is understood by the universal declaration of the right to food. It includes the responsibility of governments to make it possible for people to produce food by providing land, seeds and other assistance. He referred to the high food prizes which amongst other are because of financial speculation, high oil prices and the focus on agrofuels. He also mentioned apart from food by being a question of need, culture and economy it is also a political issues. Bishop Helder Camara said “If I give people food they say I’m a saint, If I ask why the poor don’t have food they say I’m a communist.” The Church and civil society in general must ask critical questions about the food situation of the world, including systemic and structural issues so that we will be able to provide “food for all”.

The emphasis these days is too much on food for cars than food for people. Research is indicating that the net effect will increase CO2 emissions and further exacerbate climate change.

So what can the church do? To address the systemic issues and provide solutions that will strengthen the hands of governments. To further promote fair trade. To advocate for policies in Europe and in Africa which address food sovereignty holistically and for Northern governments not to tie their food aid.

The rest of the panel who responded to the address by Damon were the Under – Secretary of State of Foreign Affairs, Pekka Huhtaniemi, Bishop Juha Pihkala from Felem, Tuula Syvanen, Executive Director of the Association for Promoting Fair Trade in Finland and Seppo Kalio, Member of the Central Union of Agricultural Producers and Forest Owners. Tapio Leskinen, Deputy Director in the Department of Mission Cooperation in Felem chaired the seminar.

Huhtaniemi referred to the triple crisis of food, oil and finance. He mentioned that in government budgets and international institutions “more priority must be given to revitalization of food production and rural developments”. The bishops emphasised the ethical dimensions of food production and the food crises and Syvanen from the Fair Trade Association mentions the high imports of fair traded products from South Africa including Rooibostea, wine and other products.

After discussions and questions the meeting concluded with a final word from all panel members.

Sunday, 19 October Damon participated at an International Service of the Lutheran Church in Rosso and the afternoon he preach at the Mission Church in Helsinki .  The sermon dealt with reconciliation and its importance at a personal, community and broader level. This is in reference to Matthew 18: 15 - 22.