President Halonen to attend the opening of the UN General Assembly

Office of the President of the Republic of Finland Press Release 13 September 2006

President of the Republic Tarja Halonen will travel to New York for the opening of the 61st session of the UN General Assembly on 17-23 September 2006.

President Halonen will head the Finnish delegation to the General Assembly, which will also include Minister for Foreign Affairs Erkki Tuomioja and Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Paula Lehtomäki. President Halonen will speak on behalf of the European Union at the opening of the session on 19 September.

President Halonen will participate in a panel convened by United States President George W. Bush in connection with the opening of the session on the role of non-governmental organizations in promoting democracy around the world.

In addition President Halonen together with the Executive Director of the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), Noeleen Heyzer, will host a meeting to discuss the Middle East peace process and how women can participate in building a just and lasting peace. This meeting is being arranged in cooperation with representatives of women's organizations in the Middle East.

President Halonen will also take part in the Clinton Global Initiative event arranged by former President Bill Clinton, where a group of world leaders will consider issues related to energy and climate change, promoting health, eliminating poverty and preventing religious and ethnic conflicts.

President Halonen's programme during the week will also include bilateral meetings and a visit to the New York Stock Exchange.