YouSaid · the spoken record

Tarja Halonen

lines on the record: 102
first: 1998-09-24
most recent: 2011-09-24
sittings or episodes: 8
sources: un-general-debate

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“I am confident that the United 41 11-50692 Nations is the sole universal forum to respond to the challenges that the world is facing. I wish those gathered here all the best for the future.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“The Palestinians have a right to their own State, Palestine. The international community gathered here in the General Assembly must show that it is united in its message to the parties. We need the urgent resumption of negotiations that will lead, within an agreed on time frame, to a two-State solution, with the State of Israel and an independent, democratic, contiguous and viable State of Palestine living side by side in peace and security. There is no time to waste. I have had an opportunity to lead Finland’s delegation to the General Assembly since 1995. We have witnessed a remarkable widening of our common global agenda. Today’s decisions will affect not only us but also future generations. Change is necessary for the survival of humankind.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“As we welcome the new Libya into the world community, Finland commends the National Transitional Council for underlining the need to continue building a sense of national unity, reconciliation and an inclusive political system with respect for equal civil rights and freedom of expression. Finland gives its full support to the transition, reflecting the aspirations of Libyan people. We are ready to support the building of democratic society based on the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the fulfilment of the human rights of women. The United Nations should play a central role in coordinating the international community’s contribution. We very much welcome the United Nations Support Mission in Libya. Reaching a solution to the Middle East conflict is more pressing than ever.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Finland warmly welcomes the Republic of South Sudan as the 193rd Member State of the United Nations. The implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement has been a testimony to the importance of mediation and regional leadership. I commend the efforts of President Mbeki and his Panel to find solutions to outstanding issues between the Sudan and South Sudan. The dramatic and rapidly evolving situation in the Arab world has been at the centre of the attention of the international community. Women and men have marched together for a better future. It is important that they continue to participate side by side in also building a democratic society. Democracy cannot be achieved without full participation of women too.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“I wish to stress the importance of the full and effective participation of women in all stages of peace processes. The record is far from impressive at the moment, as the number of women around the negotiation tables continues to be strikingly low. I welcome the efforts by UN-Women to change the situation, and I call upon us all to make a commitment to involve more women in this work. Finland, my own country, is a strong supporter of the United Nations, in word and deed. We contribute more than our share to peacekeeping, to development aid and to the promotion of human rights around the world. Finland wishes to continue to carry its responsibilities, with the Assembly’s support, in the Security Council for the term 2013-2014. Our commitment, our capacity to serve on the Council and our record speak for us.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“We need to enhance the capabilities of the United Nations in this field. Training and guidance are pivotal. Women’s participation and grass-roots activities and the work of non-governmental organizations are also vital for our efforts if we want to win. On the initiative of Finland and Turkey, the General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution on mediation in June of this year (resolution 65/283). As has been mentioned today, this is the very first resolution on this theme in the history of the United Nations. The resolution aims at strengthening the role of the United Nations in mediation. I would like to thank the Member States for their excellent support to this process. Let us continue our common efforts also during the sixty-sixth session of the General Assembly. We are ready for that. Peace processes need to be more inclusive.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“We have not only discussed setting the goals but also how to reach them. I believe that expanding 11-50692 40 Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) into sustainable development goals around the year 2015 could help the world community to continue its fight against poverty and enhance sustainable development. In today’s world, there are far too many conflicts. As they often take place within countries, they are especially dangerous for civilians. These asymmetrical conflicts usually arise from injustice, violations of human rights and discrimination against minorities. The President has chosen a very important theme for the general debate, namely mediation. The peaceful settlement of disputes, conflict prevention and mediation are at the very heart of the United Nations. Mediation has to be used at every stage of conflict.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“I am pleased to chair the High-level Panel on Global Sustainability together with President Zuma of South Africa. We will deliver our recommendations towards the end of this year. The goal of the Panel is to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality, make growth inclusive, and production and consumption more sustainable, while combating climate change and respecting the range of other planetary boundaries. We are fully convinced that the eradication of poverty and sustainable development are interlinked and can be reached together. It is really one fight. The Panel is building bridges between economy, ecology and social justice. The empowerment of women and youth is vital for our goal. It is necessary to put into use all human resources for the development of our societies.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“We, the world community, have accomplished a lot since we adopted the Millennium Declaration (resolution 55/2) and the Millennium Development Goals 11 years ago. Both of them have proved to be effective tools in the eradication of extreme poverty. But the work must continue with enhanced determination. We must respect the interdependence of the three dimensions of sustainable development — the social, economic and ecological. If even one of these dimensions is neglected, development cannot be sustainable. Recent events in Northern Africa and the Middle East have once again emphasized that development, human rights and peace and security are interlinked. Everyone must be able to enjoy civil and political as well as economic, social and cultural rights.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“The United Nations has also been at the forefront of support for the empowerment of women. The United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women gives women and girls an even stronger and more unified voice. I have truly enjoyed hearing so many speakers today underlining that important trend. Globalization has contributed to substantial economic growth. However, fruits of that growth have not been equally distributed between and within nations. That is wrong, and it is not sustainable. It is our duty to provide a sustainable future for our planet and its people. Sustainability, in brief, is about a resilient planet that supports the needs of all people worldwide.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Let me start by congratulating both the President and the Secretary- General on their elections. We live in an era of integration and interconnection. No country can solve all the challenges it faces on its own. Every country should be part of the solution. Common responses are needed more than ever. Accordingly, the importance of the United Nations has grown. The United Nations, or as I like to call it — the G-193 — has been a success story. The guiding principles of the United Nations Charter — peace and security, human rights and development — have served us well for decades. The Millennium Development Goals are more recent examples of the global reach of the United Nations. These Goals have inspired Governments to introduce measures that are saving lives every single day.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Therefore, we must continue to reform our Organization and increase its effectiveness without forgetting our own responsibilities as Member States. This is absolutely necessary, because we need to tackle the food crisis, the financial crisis, various kinds of natural disasters, contagious diseases, terrorism and armed conflicts in different parts of the world, as well as meeting our common challenge of climate change. Combating everyday crises and working, at the same time, for sustainable development is a huge task. But no other choice has been given to us. That is why we have to combine our efforts for a better world — and do it now.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“Finland supports the development of the peace mediation activities of the United Nations. After several rounds of proximity talks in the Middle East, the parties started direct talks in September. The international community has welcomed this wise decision. We now stand ready to give our support whenever needed. Finland is greatly encouraged by the New START agreement and by the outcomes of the Nuclear Security Summit, held in Washington, and the Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non- Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. The world community must seize the moment. Global and bilateral efforts must be continued towards a world without nuclear weapons. 10-54959 18 The United Nations remains the only forum where we can solve our common problems together.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“We must ensure that UN Women becomes a strong advocate and actor for women’s rights throughout the work of the United Nations. This year marks the tenth anniversary of Security Council resolution 1325 (2000), on women and peace and security. Concrete improvements have been made, but we must step up our efforts to further turn the objectives into practice. National action plans are valuable tools for implementing the resolution. Finland completed its own plan in 2008, and we have now started a twinning initiative with Kenya. We need a comprehensive approach which integrates both long-term development programmes and conflict resolution. In our common efforts to prevent and resolve conflicts, the contribution of regional organizations is valuable. Civil society can also play a role.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“We call on all States parties to the Rome Statute to uphold their international legal obligations under the Statute. The Human Rights Council was created in 2006 to promote the respect for human rights, and its functioning will now be reviewed. To achieve tangible results, the Human Rights Council needs effective tools. The independent thematic country-specific mandates continue to be vital in order to achieve the full implementation of human rights for all. The commitment of all the United Nations Member States to strengthen the promotion of women’s rights, gender equality and gender mainstreaming is welcome. Finland strongly supports the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) and would like to congratulate President Michelle Bachelet on her appointment.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“This is a good basis to continue from. Women and men together can achieve truly sustainable development. The United Nations has to lead global efforts to promote a new blueprint for sustainable growth and low-carbon prosperity. I am honoured to co-chair the Secretary-General’s High-level Panel on Global Sustainability together with my colleague, President Jacob Zuma of South Africa. We will, I promise, work hard. All human rights are equally important and must be enjoyed by everyone without discrimination. The protection and promotion of human rights must be an integral part of peacebuilding and crisis management. In combating impunity, justice must always go hand in hand with peace efforts. Finland firmly supports the International Criminal Court in its work in bringing to justice those responsible for the most serious crimes.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“All of us must work hard to ensure a global deal and commit to building a sustainable future, thus responding to what the Secretary-General so pertinently calls the 50-50-50 challenge. In order to reach our goals, we must mobilize all available resources. Cooperation to tackle climate change must involve States, non-governmental organizations, the private sector and all of our fellow global citizens. Lasting solutions to global challenges cannot be found without the active participation of women in decision-making at all levels. Women are agents of change and development. Investing in women and girls has a vital effect on the eradication of poverty and sustained economic growth. Having heard the discussions this week, I am happy to conclude that there has clearly been a breakthrough in this respect. I could even call it mainstreaming.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“Preventing the loss of biodiversity is of great importance for climate change mitigation, ensuring food and water security and eradicating poverty. The high-level meeting as a contribution to the 17 10-54959 International Year of Biodiversity, confirming our commitment to that goal, was a good step forward. The impacts of climate change are more and more visible and affect us all around the globe. Today I want to focus on the special needs and vulnerabilities of small island developing States and the implementation of the Mauritius Strategy. Climate change is a hard reality for them. Mitigating and adapting to its effects is crucial for their survival. Finland is committed to a new, ambitious climate agreement.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“Current consumption and production patterns need to be revised in many countries. In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, there is enough in the world for everyone’s need, but there cannot be enough for everybody’s greed. Our stocktaking of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) showed that there has been progress but that it remains uneven. We agreed to redouble our efforts. The MDGs must become part of our everyday work, and we all need to deliver on our commitments. The Millennium Development Goals are reachable by the year 2015. What we want, we can reach. Our common work with the ecological welfare of the world has continued. Promoting biodiversity is vital for sustaining the ecosystems that our lives depend on.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“Let me start by congratulating Ambassador Deiss on his election to the presidency of the General Assembly. I assure him of Finland’s full support for his leadership. Climate issues and the recent financial, economic and food crises call for change. The world needs an understanding of global development that is economically, socially and environmentally sustainable. Both developing and developed countries wish for economic growth. But the growth needs to be green, equitable and inclusive. It must create jobs and promote opportunities for decent work and a better life for everyone. Basic social protection is everyone’s right and an important element of sustainable development. But the most vulnerable need our special attention. We need to do much more to combat discrimination and exclusion.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“This morning, the Security Council held a debate on nuclear security issues. I am sure that we are all pleased that disarmament is now strongly returning to the international agenda. I sincerely hope that that will lead to real progress. Finally, I would like to underline that we have to try to find things that unite us — and not things that divide us — if we want to be midwives of the future and not guardians of the past. Lasting peace can be built only through open dialogue between cultural and religious communities, in our countries and worldwide. Finland supports all initiatives, such as the Alliance of Civilizations, to stimulate intercultural communication. I wish those efforts the best of success in promoting mutual understanding and peace. I promise that Finland will support them.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“Victims of rape and sexual abuse must have access to legal processes, and rapists must be prosecuted and condemned. In our view, the appointment of a special representative of the Secretary-General on women and armed conflict would enhance the implementation of those resolutions. We hope that all Member States will support that proposal. I want to thank Secretary- General Ban Ki-moon for bringing up the question of violence against women in his opening address to the General Assembly yesterday. Civilian populations need protection in conflict situations. At the United Nations World Summit in 2005, the responsibility to protect was accepted as a general principle applicable to genocide, crimes against 09-52425 46 humanity, ethnic cleansing and war crimes. Further efforts are urgently needed to save civilians from violence.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“Security Council resolutions 1325 (2000) and 1820 (2008) on women, peace and security were important achievements. Their implementation in all countries and in all situations is urgently needed. The international colloquium on women’s empowerment, leadership development and international peace and security, which was held last March in Monrovia, adopted a call to action on resolution 1325 (2000) and a call for action on gender and climate change. As a follow-up to the colloquium, Finland and Liberia convened a side event today here at the United Nations. In a word, it was a success. I hope that the next success will be in Copenhagen, and that women will make a contribution to it. Security Council resolution 1820 (2008) strongly condemns sexual violence in conflicts. We must treat systematic rape as a forbidden weapon of war.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“The latest developments in the Middle East peace process provide a reason for cautious optimism. It seems that the parties are willing to take some steps. Countries outside the region are committed to supporting those efforts. It is my belief that, with that broadening consensus, we can reactivate the peace process soon. Finland values highly the United Nations Charter and the central role given to the Security Council. We actively participate in efforts to make that body more representative and efficient. Finland is a candidate to become a non-permanent member of the Security Council for the period 2013 to 2014. At the same time, we hope that progress on the Council’s reform can be made during this session of the General Assembly.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“I sincerely hope that the Pittsburgh summit of the Group of 20 will agree on further measures for global recovery. But we should also make full use of the United Nations to promote inclusive and equitable cooperation on issues that are truly global. While climate change and the global economic downturn cause problems in many parts of the world, Africa is the continent that suffers the most. The international community must remain attentive to Africa’s needs. I am glad to note that positive developments have also taken place in Africa. During this decade, the number of conflicts in Africa has decreased. The African Union is committed to strengthening the organization’s capacity in conflict prevention. Finland is contributing to that important effort by supporting the build-up of the peace mediation structures of the African Union.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“Now, in 2009, we have to demonstrate our resolve to live up to that commitment when faced with a contracting world economy as well. The solution of the current financial and economic crisis should be based on the concept of fair globalization. Our action, while striving to achieve sustainable economic growth, must address the goal of decent work for all. It is really essential that we honour our commitments to development in spite of our budget constraints. In the world economy, the tectonic plates are in motion and new actors are emerging. We need to develop a new global consensus on business ethics, integrity and sustainable economic growth. We must work together so that trust in international financial institutions can be re-established. Let us make them more transparent, accountable and sustainable.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“We know that 70 per cent of the world’s poor are women and girls. We also know that the 45 09-52425 majority of agricultural labourers are women. If we really want to combat climate change and avoid a global food crisis, we need to pay close attention to the role of women, especially in least developed countries. While the negative consequences of climate change are universal, their impact on small island developing States and countries with low-lying coastal areas is particularly grave. Those countries are threatened by the rise of sea levels and by extreme weather conditions. They need particular attention and assistance. In September 2000, we committed ourselves here to a new global partnership to reduce extreme poverty and to reach the Millennium Development Goals. We reiterated that pledge at the 2005 World Summit.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“We had a good discussion on issues that still need to be addressed before December. The meeting delivered a clear message that we are committed to working hard to seal the deal. A global climate agreement is a precondition for comprehensive sustainable development. The poorest are the most vulnerable when struggling with the adverse effects of climate change. The new agreement must include elements of solidarity and international support in coping with the needs of adaptation. Climate change will affect especially seriously the lives and livelihoods of women, but women are also powerful actors in combating it. We need to ensure their full participation in the negotiations and in the implementation of the new agreement. Gender, food production and climate change are all interlinked.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“Let me begin by congratulating you, Sir, on your election as President of the General Assembly. I assure you of our full support in your important functions. As many colleagues have already underlined, the international climate negotiations are at a crucial stage. The Copenhagen Conference is a real possibility for change. We need political determination and solidarity to reach a new climate agreement that is global, effective and fair. The responsibility lies with all of us — industrial countries, emerging economies and developing countries alike — to take the decisions that will so profoundly shape the future of humankind. I thank the Secretary-General for convening the Summit on Climate Change at the beginning of the current session of the General Assembly.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“We witnessed leaders having the spirit and the courage to adopt the Millennium Declaration and to make a commitment on the Millennium Development Goals. It is our duty to fulfil these commitments. Africa requires our devoted attention and support, as was agreed yesterday. Let us work for it, because today, in this Hall, it is once again time to pledge our joint commitment to the ideas and values of the United Nations. Everyone present may remember what the Charter calls us to do: “to unite our strength to maintain international peace and security”. While the concept of security has changed and become broader, the onus is on us to follow this call of the Charter and translate it into action.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“We must — even better than today — take women and children into account in conflicts and post-conflict peacebuilding. We have made good decisions. We have to make them become reality. I am pleased to inform the Assembly that last Friday Finland published a national action plan on implementing Security Council resolution 1325 (2000). We hope that more and more member countries will do the same. 3 08-51606 Furthermore, there can be no sustainable peace without justice. Finland strongly supports the International Criminal Court in rejecting impunity for the most serious international crimes. Finally, I want to share my memories and experience. I had the privilege to co-preside over the Millennium Summit with President Sam Nujoma of Namibia eight years ago.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“We already have good cooperation and experience in our own region, because improving efficiency and improving cooperation between the European Union and the United Nations remain a top priority. In Kosovo, and most recently also in Georgia, we continue close cooperation between the United Nations, the European Union and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. That is why I also dare to say that increased cooperation should be extended to the African Union. A continued United Nations peacekeeping presence in Chad and in the Central African Republic would contribute to wider stabilization efforts, both locally and regionally. Tackling today’s multifold conflicts requires a comprehensive approach to security. Trade, development policy and humanitarian aid need to be utilized alongside traditional crisis management tools.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“If developing countries are supported in the spirit of the Aid for Trade agenda, they can better take advantage of their agricultural potential, including exporting. And we need to ensure, again, that both women and men benefit from support, keeping in mind that women produce most of the food in many developing countries. The United Nations currently deploys well over 100,000 military and civilian personnel in peacekeeping operations. This is a remarkable figure, and we, the Member States, must continue to support the United Nations efforts in this field. The United Nations and regional organizations should work closer together in carrying the burden in preventing and resolving conflicts. Increased cooperation should be extended to the African Union.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Once again the poorest and the most vulnerable — women and children — suffer the most. Food shortages lead to deterioration of diets, and can provoke social unrest. Effective Government action and improved donor coordination are crucial in tackling the food crisis. The United Nations Comprehensive Framework for Action is an excellent initiative in addressing this global challenge. Parallel to the short-term response, attention must be paid to medium- and long-term policies in enhancing food security. Support for the rural sector is crucial for sustainable and equitable development, growth and well-being. Moreover, the promotion of good agricultural practices is among the best approaches to adaptation to climate change. This food issue can also provide opportunities.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Forests are crucial in reducing greenhouse gases. Finland has a long history of sustainable forest management, and we understand its impact on rural development and employment. We would like the United Nations to intensify its efforts to assist Governments and communities to improve their capacities for rural development and sustainable forest management. We are of course ready to work with others in this respect. I am pleased to be a co-host, together with the President of Liberia, Ms. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, my friend, of the International Colloquium on Women’s Empowerment, to be held in Liberia next March. The conference will address women’s role in climate change, security, governance and leadership. Rising food prices are a challenge with worldwide consequences.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“It is evident that global commitments need to be implemented and also supplemented by national and regional action. It is important to include all stakeholders, from non-governmental organizations to private enterprises, and from individual citizens to Governments. We need everybody; it is necessary that women too can participate fully in this work. Industrialized countries have to bear their share in mitigating climate change. However, international negotiations on the new climate regime cannot succeed without extensive participation by the developing countries. We must actively support the most vulnerable developing countries in adapting to and combating climate change. There is mounting evidence that poverty, especially in rural areas, can be reduced by sustainable management of natural resources.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Climate change must be addressed with vigour. Otherwise, it can wipe out our achievements in the field of sustainable development and even bring into question the whole future of mankind. Recent extreme weather phenomena can be a serious indication of the challenges we are about to face. Multilateral engagement and shared responsibility are the only effective means to tackle this global menace. Others’ indifference is no excuse for inaction. Climate change is a matter of our responsibility to future generations. There is no place for petty politics or recrimination. The United Nations has to play a leading role in the global response to climate change. We must reach a 08-51606 2 comprehensive global agreement on a new international climate regime. The Copenhagen Climate Change Conference will take place in December next year.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“The need to adapt the international architecture to these challenges is deeper than ever. We need an efficient United Nations to find common solutions for our future. The United Nations represents collective security in its most global form. Finland is committed to building a more secure, fair and just world through a reformed and credible United Nations. I had the pleasure earlier this week of presenting to the Secretary-General the final report of the Helsinki Process on Globalization and Democracy. The main political message of this joint initiative of Finland and the United Republic of Tanzania is that some of the challenges posed by globalization can be solved only through multi-stakeholder dialogue, and that the United Nations could play an important role in facilitating and developing new practices for such cooperation.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Let me first congratulate you, Sir, on your election to preside over the sixty-third session of the General Assembly. We express our full support for your presidency. I also thank the Secretary- General for his resolute efforts to promote the United Nations and its values. Finland aligns itself with the statement of the European Union. Our world is facing unforeseen challenges, such as climate change and the food crisis. The current economic turmoil also requires decisive action. At the same time, we have not been able to rid ourselves of conventional crisis. Unfortunately, armed conflicts are still a reality all over the world. Too often, we — the international community — are unable to agree on a common response. Too often, people affected by poverty and conflicts are let down.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Let me assure the Assembly that Finland supports a stronger United Nations for a better world. It is up to us to deliver on our commitments to achieving better security, sustainable development and respect for the human rights of all people. I wish to express our firmest support to the Secretary-General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, in pursuing such efforts.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“That remarkable figure proves that the United Nations enjoys the trust of the international community. We welcome Security Council resolution 1778 (2007), adopted yesterday, on an international presence in Chad and the Central African Republic. In order to achieve success in crisis management, we need partnerships and shared responsibilities. For example, the African Union and the European Union have been valuable partners of the United Nations. The support of local and regional actors is critical for successful United Nations peacekeeping. We Europeans believe that resolving Kosovo’s status is vitally important. In that process, the United Nations Special Envoy has played a pivotal role. We encourage all parties to engage constructively in finding a solution to that problem.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“For example, given the number of victims in today’s conflicts, small arms and light weapons are indeed weapons of mass destruction. Finland, together with more than 150 other States, supports the process aimed at the adoption of an international arms trade treaty. The role of the United Nations is vital in resolving numerous crises around the world. This morning, we heard news from Burma/Myanmar, where the people’s fight for freedom and human rights has been suppressed. We must react. United Nations activities need political support and our resources. We value the determination of the Secretary- General in searching for a solution to the crisis in the Sudan. The new peacekeeping operation in Darfur will increase the total number of United Nations troops to more than 100,000.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“I believe that the tone of the climate change debate is developing in a promising direction. Many Member States and various regions and social actors have become active and have produced initiatives concerning the development of climate policy. We have to take advantage of that as an asset in the run-up to the Bali Climate Change Conference, to be held in December. The high-level event on climate change held on 24 September was a success. I feel that it gave us the political support that we will need when we are heading towards Bali. Everyone’s input will, of course, be required. Finland appreciates the fact that the President of the General Assembly has made this topic one of his priorities. We need effective international cooperation in the field of disarmament and non-proliferation.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“In this regard, we welcome the additional emphasis given to the rule of law. Support for the rule of law is a necessity in the consolidation of global security. Sustainable development requires us to consistently promote fairer globalization and the well- being of nature. Climate change affects the future of the whole of mankind. Finland highlights the necessity to reach, as soon as possible, a globally inclusive agreement on the post-2012 climate regime. The United Nations has a central role to play in this process. Every nation has the right to develop and to aim for growth and prosperity. Industrialized countries must demonstrate solidarity with developing countries and take all possible steps to promote access to environmentally sound technologies for everyone.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“We support the proposal to set up a new, consolidated gender agency with a new Under-Secretary-General position at its head. In this context, I would like to stress the importance of engaging women in all phases of crisis management: conflict prevention, peacekeeping and peacebuilding, without forgetting peace talks. Let me give one example: the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) Middle East Initiative. I believe that the cooperation between Israeli and Palestinian women under this initiative can help to restart the peace negotiations. I also use this opportunity to state that Finland is preparing its national action plan to advance the implementation of Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) on women, peace and security. A stronger United Nations also needs reform of the Secretariat.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“To support that work, Governments, parliaments, non-governmental organizations and the private sector must also work together. The Peacebuilding Fund must be used as an effective tool to respond to the immediate needs of post-conflict countries. Achieving the Millennium Development Goals calls for coherent action. Finland strongly supports the recommendations of the Secretary-General’s High- level Panel on System-wide Coherence. The objective of One United Nations at the country level is worth striving for. We also must reinforce our efforts to address the challenges in the fields of health and education, as so many speakers have mentioned here. Finland warmly welcomes the Panel’s recommendations concerning gender. We do need to take decisive measures to promote gender awareness across the entire United Nations system.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“We should spare no efforts to continue the overall reform of the United Nations. A more just world is a safer world. Making the Economic and Social Council more effective is an important part of the United Nations reform and of the concept of broad security. Establishing a new United Nations institution is truly a challenging task. We know that from our own experience. Finland was a member of the Human Rights Council during its first year. But we have to go on. We must sustain our efforts to make the Council a credible institution, capable of defending and promoting globally the human rights of women, men and children. Our good words and intentions must lead to strong action. The new Peacebuilding Commission must be developed into a platform that can successfully assist countries struggling in post-conflict situations.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“I would like to congratulate you, Mr. President, and express our support for your leadership of the General Assembly at this session. Finland aligns itself with the statement of the European Union. The Millennium Declaration and the Millennium Development Goals continue to serve as our common pledge to create a better future for everyone. The United Nations is our world organization, and in addressing global challenges, the United Nations is the key forum for our cooperation. In order to achieve comprehensive security, we must strive not only for security, but also for development and human rights. In the World Summit two years ago, we decided that the United Nations system should be reformed to better ensure the implementation of these three fundamental principles.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“For nearly 10 years, he has shown leadership and vision in his work to uphold the principles of the United Nations Charter, as well as courage in the much-needed transformation of our world Organization. He has put a human face on the United Nations, both inside and outside the Organization. I wish him all the best.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“In Iraq, upholding the rule of law is a key challenge. The Union is working closely together with the United Nations and other partners to assist the Iraqi Government in that field. The EU wishes to see this world Organization function in a more effective, transparent and accountable way. The EU recognizes the need to reform the main United Nations bodies, among them the General Assembly, the Economic and Social Council and the Security Council. Management reform, as well as the mandates review, will be high on our agenda when we start our work this autumn. We need to continue our collective efforts through consensual decision-making. After all, United Nations reform will benefit the entire membership of the Organization. Before I conclude, let me pay tribute to our Secretary-General, Mr. Kofi Annan.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)