Dr Erja Askola’s calling for a change

WHEN Dr Erja Askola arrived in Jamaica to take up her role as the European Union’s Ambassador to Jamaica, Belize, and The Bahamas in September 2024, she brought with her a wealth of international experience, a deep commitment to diplomacy, and a profound appreciation for the cultural vibrancy of her new home. Her journey to this prestigious role has been anything but conventional, shaped by a global perspective, a passion for justice, and a dedication to fostering meaningful partnerships.

Born and raised on a farm in a small rural town in Finland, Dr Askola’s early life was one of simplicity and self-sufficiency. The long, cold winters and warm, adventure-filled summers instilled in her a strong connection to nature and a spirit of independence.

“Those days, Finnish culture steered kids to become autonomous very early, and we had a lot of freedom, which I fully embraced. Early on, I learned to work hard to overcome any challenges and to move towards my dreams with determination,” she recalls.

Though she once dreamed of becoming a circus artist or a veterinarian, her ambitions evolved with time, leading her into the world of law, international economics, and eventually, diplomacy.

Her passion for international affairs was ignited during a youth exchange programme in the United States, where she discovered a love for cultural exchange and global exploration. This new-found passion propelled her to study worldwide in countries such as Finland, Switzerland, France, Italy, and the United States, ultimately shaping a career that would take her across continents. Before stepping into diplomacy, Dr Askola worked as an international business lawyer in Paris and later held various roles within the European Union institutions, including in international cooperation and trade negotiations.

“My profile is not the most typical of a diplomat, but my diverse experiences have prepared me well for this role,” she notes.

Prior to her posting in Jamaica, she served as part of the regional European Union(EU) Delegation to the Pacific in Fiji, accredited to 13 Pacific Island Countries. She is no stranger to the region, having previously managed Caribbean-EU trade relations and co-chaired their Trade Committee for two years before embarking on her diplomatic postings.

Now at the helm of the EU’s diplomatic mission in Jamaica, Dr Askola is determined to strengthen the long-standing partnership between the EU and Jamaica.

“The EU and Jamaica have been bilateral partners for 50 years. We are like-minded allies in international fora in addressing global challenges and defending democratic values, multilateralism, and the rules-based international order. I really am thrilled to work with Jamaica on our highly meaningful and impactful joint agenda.”

The EU’s presence in Jamaica has also been instrumental in driving development cooperation, trade, and investment, all aimed at fostering economic opportunities and improving citizen security. One of the key areas in which the EU has been particularly active in Jamaica is in education as a tool for crime prevention.

Dr Askola believes that a comprehensive and coordinated approach is necessary to tackle the social vulnerabilities contributing to crime. “Jamaica, as any country, can learn from others that have similar challenges and have obtained significant positive results,” she explains, emphasising the success of education-based crime prevention strategies in other nations. The EU has supported initiatives that improve literacy and numeracy rates, provide psychosocial intervention, and offer vocational training for at-risk youth. These efforts are geared towards reducing vulnerability to violence while creating pathways for success.

Dr Askola is also deeply committed to addressing gender-based violence (GBV), an issue that continues to affect many women in Jamaica. Sharing her thoughts on this, she said, “Addressing gender-based violence, including domestic violence, sexual assault, and harassment in Jamaica is crucial. Thirty-nine per cent of women in Jamaica have experienced some form of intimate partner violence. Unfortunately this issue persists, and it has lasting physical, emotional, and psychological impacts on both victims and survivors.”

The EU has been an active partner in supporting initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality, protecting human rights, and ensuring the well-being of Jamaican society.

As a firm believer in holistic community engagement, Dr Askola advocates for an ‘all hands on deck’ approach in tackling Jamaica’s social challenges.

“We need stronger collaboration between government, civil society, the private sector, and international partners to really create sustainable change,” she asserts.

Through the government’s Citizen Security Plan and continued support for civil society organisations, the EU remains committed to supporting Jamaica’s efforts in crime prevention through education and social development.

Beyond her professional commitments, Dr Askola finds joy in exploring Jamaica’s rich cultural and natural landscapes.

“I feel blessed to be posted in a country like Jamaica, so incredibly rich in its offerings,” she shares.

An adventurous traveller, she enjoys hiking, scuba diving, and immersing herself in different cultures, but she also values her quieter moments, spent reading or gardening – practices that keep her grounded amidst her demanding role.

As she gears up for the highly anticipated EU-JA 5K and 10K run to be held on March 9 in downtown Kingston, an event that highlights the importance of health, unity, and community engagement, Dr Askola embraces the opportunity to connect with people beyond the diplomatic sphere. Whether through diplomacy or community-driven initiatives, her vision remains clear – to foster stronger ties between the EU and Jamaica, champion education as a tool for change, and empower communities to build a safer, more prosperous future.

With her leadership, experience, and unwavering dedication, Dr Erja Askola is poised to leave a lasting impact on and off the track, in her mission to fuel sustainable positive change in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean region.