Speech by President of the Republic Tarja Halonen to the diplomatic corps at a banquet at the Presidential Palace on 7 April 2011

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It gives me and my husband great pleasure to welcome you to this traditional spring banquet.

This spring, the world and its people have been affected by an exceptional number of crises. I would like to take this opportunity to once again express my deepest sympathies to the people and the government of Japan for their losses in the recent devastating natural disaster.

This, unfortunately, is not the only crisis in the world today. Social inequality, unemployment and lack of opportunities have caused young people to take to the streets in many countries. Spreading like bushfire, these protests demonstrate that ordinary citizens have the courage to seek a better life: one with freedom, democracy and a decent employment.

Traditionally, Finland’s strength in international crisis management has been long-term participation containing elements of both military peace-keeping and of civilian expertise. I am sure that it will be needed and welcomed also now.

I myself find that recent events have highlighted the importance of the United Nations. It is a forum where all member states can be heard regardless of their size. As a small member state, Finland considers it important to promote a concept of security that is collective and based on international law. We are a firm supporter of the United Nations. The Charter of the United Nations is binding upon all member states, small and large, and governs each in the same way.

Finland is prepared to bear its responsibility for promoting peace and security actively worldwide. This is why Finland, with the support of all the other Nordic countries, is applying for non-permanent membership of the Security Council of the United Nations for the period 2013 to 2014.

Prevention is the most effective way of increasing security. Strengthening democracy, human rights and the rule of law is a long process. Regional organisations play an important role in this, in addition to the United Nations. The African Union and the Arab League have been key actors in many of the recent crises. In Europe, the Council of Europe and the OSCE are working to promote democracy and to prevent crises. Both of these organisations operate on a broad concept of security.

The significance of the media and social media in crisis situations has grown. Media and recently especially social media have been rapid in gaining information on the ground, also concerning issues important to private individuals, such as the welfare of family members. This is extremely beneficial and commendable. On the other hand, media and social media have also caused new challenges.

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The European Union is of vital importance to stability on our continent. The Treaty of Lisbon has helped the EU clarify and strengthen its actions, particularly in the area of foreign and security policy.

In the past year, the financial crisis has dominated debate within the EU. The Member States of the EU have striven to demonstrate solidarity in providing support for those in financial difficulties. These efforts must continue for us to succeed in preventing similar crises in the future.

The EU enlargement process has proved to be a success. It will certainly contribute to stability in our neighbouring regions, and the process should be continued. Finland supports the enlargement of the EU, provided that the new Member States fulfill the agreed membership criteria.

The UN High-level Panel on Global Sustainability, which I co-chair with Mr Jacob Zuma, President of South Africa, will be reporting to the UN Secretary-General at the end of the year.

The purpose of the Panel is to present recommendations for implementing sustainable development and what is known as the green economy. In order to achieve socially equitable economic growth respecting planetary boundaries, we must take concrete action, both immediately and for the long term. Otherwise, we will be depriving future generations of a chance to enjoy a decent life.

We have made progress in both the environmental and economic dimensions of sustainable development. However, the social dimension has been getting more attention only recently.

Even at this early stage, the Panel has come to the conclusion that a key factor in achieving change is to use all human resources. Improving the status of women is unavoidable task and we should not forget either youth or poor.

It is also important to find the right means for measuring development. It is not enough to look at how the national economy is growing. We should also consider the burden on the environment as well as the distribution of wealth and wellbeing.

Climate problems, declining biodiversity and other environmental issues are global in nature. Poverty and unemployment affect the South but also North. The traditional North-South division is no more enough. We have to work more closely with researchers and academia to find new paths. I am happy to tell that we have just now the Helsinki University Science Days on Interdisciplinary Environmental Research and Teaching.

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Finland is holding a general election in ten days’ time. The setting is more exciting than usual. Due to the international political situation Finland’s role in global affairs is reflected more prominently in the electoral debate. International issues have also become more visible in Finland, for example, through immigration. The key electoral issues in Finland, however, as elsewhere, are those that have an immediate impact on people’s everyday lives, such as unemployment and social inequality.

No one really knows what the outcome of the election will be or what the next Government will look like. This will be up to the citizens of Finland, who I hope will actively use their right to vote.

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It has been a great pleasure to meet you in various contexts over the past year. I feel a little bit nostalgic to note that this is my last formal spring banquet with you in my capacity as President. I have had the privilege of attending these occasions for almost two decades. For the last 11 years my husband and I have hosted the banquet every spring. This has given me great pleasure, and I would like to take this opportunity cordially to thank you all for your cooperation, for our interesting and productive discussions, and for the memorable moments we have shared.