Page 2 - Markus Sovala News Today

The pandemic has done huge damage to growth rates and public finances – but digital technologies, green growth and government interventions offer an economic lifeboat. At the first session of […]

The United Nations Economic and Social Council has selected Finland as a member of the United Nations Statistical Commission for the term of 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2025. The Director General of Statistics Finland, Markus Sovala, represents Finland in the Statistical Commission.

Building for the future: delivering infrastructure for the post-COVID world By Natalie Leal on 17/02/2021 Into the tunnel: The uncertainties around COVID mean that governments have limited forward vision as they develop infrastructure plans. Illustration: Katy Smith Infrastructure is key to economic recovery – but the pandemic has raised big questions around both public sector finances, and the kinds of infrastructure that will be required. At the Government Finance Summit, top treasury and f...

Markus Sovala appointed Director General of Statistics Finland The Government has appointed Markus Sovala as Director General of Statistics Finland for a five-year term starting from 1 March 2021. Sovala is currently employed as Economic Policy Coordinator at the Ministry of Finance. Having worked as Director General at Statistics Finland for nine years, Marjo Bruun retired at the end of January. Markus Sovala Image: Tommi Tolkki, Ministry of Finance “The strategic importance of information h...

Many sources, one picture: Bringing together different datasets gives central government officials a rounded view of the pandemic’s impacts on economic activity and household incomes. Illustration by Katy Smith Governments have found new sources of real-time financial data that give a clear view of COVID-19’s impact on industries, businesses and workers. At the 2020 Government Finance Summit, top officials from around the world dipped into this treasure trove for economic policymakers and s...

Helicopter money: finance departments had to quickly channel money to workers and businesses – while minimising the amount wasted or stolen. Illustration by Katy Smith Around the world, finance departments have found different ways of protecting workers and businesses during the COVID crisis. At GGF’s Finance Summit, senior leaders discussed which worked best – reaching those in need, while minimising waste and fraud. Adam Branson reports Responding to the pandemic, finance departments ha...