President Halonen to attend the UN General Assembly

Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
Press Release 13 September 2011

President of the Republic Tarja Halonen will travel to New York for the opening week of the 66th Session of the UN General Assembly, which takes place during 16–24 September 2011. President Halonen will deliver Finland’s statement as part of the general debate on Wednesday, 21 September, the opening day of the General Assembly.

The current international situation, particularly in the Middle East and northern Africa, will feature heavily during the week. Other key themes will include sustainable development, the Millennium Development Goals, and the strengthened role of the UN in crisis prevention and peace mediation.

During the week President Halonen will also participate in the Clinton Global Initiative Annual Meeting, an event of the Council of Women World Leaders, and high-level meetings on reproductive health and on sexual violence in conflicts. President Halonen’s programme will also include a reception hosted by President of the United States Barack Obama and several bilateral meetings.

Prior to the opening of the General Assembly, President Halonen will chair the meeting of the High-level Panel on Global Sustainability during 18–19 September. President Halonen co-chairs the panel together with the President of the Republic of South-Africa Jacob Zuma. The Panel is due to submit its report to the UN Secretary-General by the end of the year.