Our mission is to promote human dignity globally
Inter-Cultur (IC) is a Finnish non-profit organization that focuses mainly on vocational training and job creation projects. In addition, we provide professional services to institutions, helping them to unlock their potential, grow sustainably, and achieve greater impact.
Our Mission
We are passionate about advancing positive social change. Through impactful investments, development programs, and professional services in sustainability, we unlock the potential of individuals and uplift our institutional partners to create a brighter present and build a sustainable future.
Our Vision
Every individual has the opportunity to flourish and contribute to a more inclusive and prosperous society. Driven by the vibrant conviction that dignified employment empowers individuals, we believe in the power of economic freedom to create welfare and foster social justice.
Our Values
Dignity
It signifies respect for the inherent worth and equality of all individuals, promoting inclusivity, empowerment, and the protection of human rights.
Excellence
It signifies a drive for continuous improvement, professionalism, and achievement of meaningful outcomes for all our stakeholders.
Collaboration
It signifies our belief in the power of partnerships, teamwork, collective expertise, and networks to drive positive social change.
From Helsinki to Africa and South-America
Founded in 1987
For over three decades, we have been committed to promoting community engagement and solidarity work. Initially, our efforts in Finland focused on family and youth programs related to cultural enrichment, personal growth, and professional and ethical development. Since 2008, we have expanded into Development Cooperation, advocating for gender equality, civil rights, and economic growth in needy countries where we believe we can make a difference.
Looking forward
We aim to continue our development cooperation with a professional approach, helping other NGOs become more impactful. We want to offer opportunities for individual donors and corporations to engage in impact investment with us. We look forward to forming committed development cooperation partnerships and creating impactful programs in our areas of interest.
Meet our team in Helsinki
Santi Martínez
Executive Director
Santi holds a master's degree in Political Science (University of Helsinki, 1996) and an MBA (Helsinki School of Economics, 2001). As the Director of our organization, he is responsible for partnering with financial institutions and local implementors. On top of his managerial position, he lectures on master’s level Leadership, Business Ethics, and Corporate Social Responsibility in Finland, Kenya and Spain. Currently, he is also a doctoral candidate writing his dissertation on the influence of virtue in managerial decision-making. Santi enjoys the sunshine of Lapland, which he sees every autumn.
Gerardo Falcón
Head of Development
Gerardo holds a master’s degree in Chemical Engineering (Tec de Monterrey, 2015) and Environmental Sustainability (Aalto University, 2020). He is responsible for our sustainability strategy program and the management of our cooperation projects. Before joining Inter-Cultur in 2022, he served in several corporate positions in Finland and Mexico. Gerardo’s favourite hobbies include trekking, gastronomy and cinema.
Benjamin Koski
Projects Coordinator
Benjamin holds bachelor’s degrees in World Politics (University of Helsinki, 2020) and Japanese Studies (University of Helsinki, 2022). He joined Inter-Cultur at the beginning of 2020, and his responsibilities include project planning and monitoring, among other day-to-day tasks. Currently, alongside his work he is also studying Peace, Mediation and Conflict Research (University of Tampere) and Translation Studies, majoring in Japanese (University of Helsinki). Benjamin relaxes with board games and various sports.
Mikael Forsell
Partnerships Manager
Mikael holds a Master's degree in Business Administration (University of Northampton, 2022) and is currently pursuing his Doctorate in Business Administration, with plans to complete his research in the next few years. He is responsible for managing our partnerships with the private sector. In his free time, Mikael enjoys cooking for friends and family and soaking up the sun in Spain.
Our Figures
Countries
Budget
Beneficiaries
Local Partners
Financing Partners
of beneficiaries are women
Since the beginning, Inter-Cultur’s purpose has been the promotion of human dignity by fostering vocational training, education, and job creation programs in developing countries.
Annual Reports & Policies
Annual Report 2023
See how we're making a difference—download our Annual Report for an in-depth look.
Policies
Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Policy
Our Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Policy outlines Inter-Cultur's commitment to preventing money laundering and related criminal activities. This document provides guidelines on recognizing, reporting, and mitigating money laundering risks. This policy is integral to our ethical principles and essential for maintaining our organization's integrity and reputation.
Whisteblowing Policy
Our Whistleblowing Policy outlines Inter-Cultur's commitment to fostering transparency, accountability, and ethical behavior. This document provides clear guidelines for reporting and identifying unethical, illegal, or unsafe activities within our organization, ensuring that all concerns are addressed promptly and fairly. This policy is a cornerstone of our ethical principles.
Anti-Sexual Harassment and Abuse Policy
Our Anti-Sexual Harassment and Abuse Policy outlines procedures for preventing and addressing sexual harassment and abuse within our organization and among our partners. This document provides the guidelines for recognizing, reporting, and responding to incidents of harassment and abuse, ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all.
Anti-Bribery Policy
This Anti-Bribery Policy outlines Inter-Cultur's procedures for preventing, detecting, and addressing bribery and corruption within our organization and in collaboration with our partners. It establishes clear guidelines for recognizing, reporting, and responding to incidents of bribery and corruption to ensure that all activities conducted by Inter-Cultur are transparent, ethical, and in full compliance with local and international laws.