In an era of rapid change, the value of people whose lives are not governed by short-term trends becomes especially evident. Their path is not a chain of random events, but a thoughtful journey through time, cultures, and meanings. Their words are unhurried yet possess a rare clarity — the kind that comes only with experience, attentiveness to the world, and the ability to listen.
Such was the conversation with Finland’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Kirsti Narinen. It was not merely an interview, but a reflection on human potential, the power of education, the nature of leadership, and the things that remain truly important as circumstances change and years pass.
Perhaps the central question raised in this conversation goes far beyond politics and careers. It concerns each of us — our choices, our relationships, and our inner selves.
— Ms. Kirsti, welcome to Azerbaijan. Please tell us about yourself and your work.
— Thank you for the invitation. My name is Kirsti Narinen, I am 65 years old, and I represent Finland in the South Caucasus countries — Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia. I have held this position since the autumn of 2020. A great deal has happened during this time, and each year has been remarkable in its own way.
I am a lawyer by education. I have worked for Finland’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs for 42 years, having started my career on June 1. It has been a long and diverse journey.
A significant part of my career has been connected with the former Soviet Union: I have worked in Estonia twice and lived in Leningrad, where I began studying Russian in 1985.
I have a family. My husband is a civil engineer, and we have two children. My daughter studies international law and recently began her master’s degree. She is 27 years old. My son is 25 and is completing his studies in music technology, but he has decided to pursue another field as well — journalism. We were delighted to support his choice.
I firmly believe that education gives people freedom. Without education, you work where you can; with education, you work where you truly want to.
— You speak several languages…
— Yes, languages are one of my greatest passions. I speak Finnish, Swedish, English, Estonian, and Russian. I also speak French, Spanish, German, and Slovenian to varying degrees.
My current dream is to learn Turkish and then other Turkic languages, including Azerbaijani.
— The topic of women’s leadership is highly relevant around the world today. What does it mean to you?
— First and foremost, it is about human leadership. I do not tend to draw rigid distinctions between men and women.
The notion that all men should be leaders and women should be homemakers is largely a social stereotype. Historically, women were assigned a softer role — family, children, appearance. They were expected to build families, and if they did not, society could view them as unsuccessful.
Fortunately, such views are gradually becoming a thing of the past.
People are defined by their knowledge, desire for growth, and inner strength. The support of family, loved ones, and teachers plays a tremendous role. When people believe in you, you begin to believe in yourself. But if someone is constantly told that their place is limited, they may come to accept it as truth.
— So upbringing plays the key role?
— Absolutely. Every adult was once a child. The way a child learns to deal with emotions, conflicts, and difficulties largely shapes their future.
There is a simple metaphor: if a cup contains tea, only tea can be poured from it. Whatever exists within a person will eventually reveal itself outwardly.
If a child grows up surrounded by love, they learn how to give love. And this applies to everyone — both men and women.
In many countries, men struggle with emotional isolation. They often find it difficult to talk about their feelings and experiences. Sometimes this leads to internal tension that can manifest itself in destructive ways.
Once again, it all comes back to upbringing — learning how to express emotions and how to be heard.
— How do you see modern women leaders?
— They are very diverse. Some are strong, decisive, and results-oriented. Others are gentler, more sensitive to people, and highly skilled at building relationships.
I believe that the strength of women’s leadership lies in the ability to notice nuances and understand human psychology.
However, there is also a challenge: sometimes excessive empathy can interfere with decision-making. After all, a leader is first and foremost someone who sets direction.
Leadership means guiding others, making decisions, and taking responsibility for them.
It is important to remember that no one is expected to be perfect on the first day in a new position. Employers choose people not only for their skills but also for their potential.
That is why professional networks and support systems are so important — they help people believe in themselves.
— Today, Azerbaijan is a country of dynamic development, deep traditions, and strong human potential. What changes do you notice each time you visit?
— Every time I visit, I see very positive progress.
First of all, I see the people: open, friendly, and sincere.
I see economic development, momentum, and growth. This growth extends not only to the capital but also to the regions.
I am particularly pleased to see increasing attention being paid to human capital.
The most valuable resource is people — their knowledge, ideas, and energy. It is extremely important to give young people opportunities to realize their potential.
— At the beginning of our conversation, you mentioned a beautiful thought: “What will people be talking about 25 years from now?” What did you mean by that?
— Yes, for me, this is one of the most important questions, especially when it comes to choosing a life partner.
Appearance changes over time. Circumstances change as well. But if, decades later, you still have things to talk about, that is a true treasure.
I have been married for 30 years, and my husband and I still find each other interesting. We continue to talk, discuss ideas, and share our thoughts.
In my view, that is the foundation of a genuine relationship.
If, after all those years, you still have something to say to one another, then you have made the most important choice of your life correctly.
— Dear Ms. Kirsti, thank you for this conversation.
— Thank you. Despite the limited time, we were able to touch upon important topics. I hope every reader will find an idea in this interview that resonates with them personally.
The interview was conducted by Saida Musayeva, founder of Fortunamag.az.
Finland’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan Kirsti Narinen: A Dialogue on Leadership, Education, and Values
