The number of young people with a foreign background in Helsinki has increased sig nificantly, and an increasing proportion of them were born in Finland. In spite of this, research on the active citizenship of second-generation immigrants is scarce. This study involved interviewing eleven active young citizens with a foreign background living in Helsinki. The study focused on their activities as active citizens while also providing broader insights into their lives as first-generation Helsinki residents.

The interviewed young people live at the crossroads of cultures. They draw on strengths stemming from different cultures, but also experience discrimination and the questioning of their identities. Some also highlight intergenerational conflicts and tensions between their families and society at large.

Being a Helsinki resident is an important part of the multifaceted identity of the in terviewed young people. The young people are mostly satisfied with the multi-ethnic atmosphere and opportunities offered by Helsinki, but are concerned about residen tial segregation and the divisions between communities. They would like the City of Helsinki to tackle segregation, provide low-threshold leisure activities and support independent local activities.

The interviewed young people share a strong desire to make a difference in socie ty and pave the way for others. Their interest in social issues is broad and their ways of making a difference are varied. They would prefer to be heard first and foremost as the voices of young Helsinki residents, not just as representatives of ethnic minori ties. The results of the study highlight the importance of supporting the inclusion and participation of young people with a foreign background born in Finland, both at home and in the structures of society.