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Mikko Kuustonen is a Finnish songwriter and performer. During his twenty-five years in the music business, Mikko has developed a sterling reputation worldwide. One of his legendary bands was the rhythm and blues-inspired Q.Stone. Q.Stone recorded three albums in English and created interest in Mikko's music internationally. In his native tongue, Mikko has released eight solo albums since 1991, including three gold and one platinum, on the Sony and BMG/RCA label.

Most of the inspiration for Mikko's songs comes from his interest and involvement in developing countries. As a spokesperson for Plan International Finland, he has traveled extensively in El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Brazil, India, Zambia, Namibia, South Africa and Mozambique -- keeping travel diaries and writing his accounts for Finnish newspapers and magazines. He wrote, directed, and produced a documentary for Finnish TV-1 called "Bom Dia Mozambique." Mikko is a well-known television personality in Finland, hosting music shows on national channels for a decade.

Mikko has toured hundreds of Finnish schools speaking to thousands of young people about the realities of life in developing countries. Mikko devotes much of his time and energy to encouraging discussions and open attitudes toward interactions between people of developed and developing countries.

Activities

September 2004. “Valitut Palat” the Finnish publication of “Reader’s Digest”, the world’s largest circulation magazine, featured Mikko on its cover and reported on his role as UNFPA Goodwill Ambassador.

June 2002. Mikko joined UNFPA Goodwill Ambassadors Kattis Ahlstrom, Kari Jacquesson and Hanne-Vibeke Holst in a field visit to Nicaragua. The objective was to determine the role UNFPA Goodwill Ambassadors could play in mobilizing resources for youth health, education and employment programs in that country.

November 1999. Mikko produced a documentary series called “Women on the Edge of the Millennium.” Filmed in eight countries, the series was co-funded by the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Department for International Development Cooperation and Face to Face International. The ten-part mini series was aired during prime time on Finnish TV4 from November 5, 1999 to January 14, 2000.

1 October 1998. Finnish Songwriter Mikko Kuustonen Named UNFPA Goodwill Ambassador

Priorities

Gender equality, youth education

Website

http://www.mikkokuustonen.net