Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
Press release 56/2026
10 September 2026
The President of the Republic of Finland, Alexander Stubb, will be in New York from 20 to 24 September 2026 to lead the Finnish delegation during the high-level week of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. This year the theme of the session is ”Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”
President Stubb will deliver Finland’s national statement on Tuesday 22 September.
During the week, President Stubb will, amongst other things, co-chair an international discussion event on the use of artificial intelligence with the President of Kenya, William Ruto. The President of the Republic will also host a high-level event focusing on the UN’s efforts to promote peace and security. The President’s programme features several other events at the level of heads of state and government, as well as several bilateral meetings.
President Stubb will also attend a reception hosted by the President of the United States Donald Trump and his spouse Melania Trump. In addition, the President will deliver a speech at an event organised by the Atlantic Council, where he will be presented with the organisation’s Global Citizen Award. The award is granted annually to honour individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to strengthening transatlantic relations.
During General Assembly week, Finland’s candidacy for a seat on the UN Security Council for the 2029–2030 term will be promoted in various ways.
The Finnish delegation led by President Stubb will include Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen and Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio.
Ahead of the UN General Assembly week in New York, President Stubb will give a lecture at Furman University in South Carolina.
