The Town Executive Board has approved the Town of Jakobstad Equality and Non-Discrimination Plan 2026–2030, which will serve as a guiding document for how the principles of equality and non-discrimination will be integrated into all municipal operations over the coming years.

The plan was prepared by the town’s Equality and Non-Discrimination Committee, based on the European Charter for Equality of Women and Men in Local Life, which Jakobstad signed in 2013, and the results of an extensive resident survey conducted in March 2026. A total of 531 people responded to the survey. The objectives and measures included in the plan are based on the needs and development areas identified through the survey and have been linked to the town’s strategic objectives for the period 2025–2030.

The Chair of the Equality and Non-Discrimination Committee, Åsa Wallendahl, sees the approval as an important milestone for the town:

“It is gratifying that we have reached the finish line and can launch the town’s new Equality and Non-Discrimination Plan, the first of its kind in Jakobstad. These principles are important for the town’s operations, ensuring that the needs and fundamental rights of all residents are taken into account and that everyone is treated equally. Cooperation between the representatives of the political parties on the committee has been excellent, and there is broad consensus regarding the content and objectives of the plan.”

Implementation of the plan will be monitored annually by the Equality and Non-Discrimination Committee. Results will be reported twice to the Town Executive Board during the plan period and once to the Town Council. The management of each sector is responsible for collecting and reporting monitoring data within its area of responsibility.