President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb attended the UN General Assembly High-level Week in New York City on 20–24 September 2026. During the UNGA week, the President participated in several high-level events and discussions, besides meeting with UN officials and leaders from more than 13 countries. The theme of the General Assembly this year was Restoring trust, managing transformation: a United Nations that delivers for all.
President Stubb delivered Finland’s national statement during the General Debate of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly on Tuesday 22 September. In his speech, the President defended the rules-based international order and multilateral cooperation. He also reminded listeners of the need to reform the UN system.
“We must also bring the United Nations back to peace mediation. The Secretary-General, as Mediator-In-Chief, will have a key role. The UN’s legitimacy as a mediator is unique. Together, the UN and its Member States can accomplish what neither can achieve alone,” the President said.
On Wednesday 23 September, President Stubb hosted a high-level event on UN operations to promote peace and security. The President also raised Finland’s candidature for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2029–2030 term.
“We are willing to take responsibility for the core mission of the UN: upholding international peace and security. Respect for international law, human rights and the UN Charter is the foundation of lasting peace,” said President Stubb.
President Stubb delivered a joint statement on behalf of the Nordic countries at the UN Security Council on Wednesday 23 September.
In addition to bilateral relations, bilateral meetings with leaders of other countries focused on reforming the UN and Finland’s campaign for a non-permanent seat on the Security Council.
“The UN High-level Week is a key forum for promoting Finland’s foreign and security policy goals and for strengthening our bilateral relations,” the President said, adding:
“It is clear that the standing and credibility of the UN must be restored. The rules-based international order must be defended, but it must also be reformed.”
Control of frontier artificial intelligence models emerged as one of the main themes of the UN week. President Stubb and Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre of Norway launched an international appeal intended to ensure that AI models remain under human control. So far, numerous countries from around the world have joined the appeal.
During the UNGA week, Finland and Ukraine further deepened their defence cooperation. President Stubb and President Volodomyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine signed a so called drone deal that will facilitate, among other things, the joint production of defence materiel.
The Finnish delegation led by President Stubb included Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen and Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio.
- Statement by the President of the Republic of Finland, Alexander Stubb, at the General Debate of the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly in New York on 22 September 2026
- A Call for Control of Frontier AI Models
- News 21.9.2026: President Stubb and Prime Minister of Norway: The rapid development of AI requires international cooperation
- News 23.9.2029: Finland and Ukraine deepen defence and security cooperation
