President Halonen at the UN: Women are powerful actors in combatting climate change

In addressing the 64th Session of the UN General Assembly, President of the Republic Tarja Halonen emphasized political determination to reach a new climate agreement at the Copenhagen conference in December. She added that the responsibility lies with all of us - industrial countries and emerging economies alike. President Halonen particularly emphasized women's role: "Climate change will affect especially seriously the lives and livelihood of women, but they are also powerful actors in combating it. We need to ensure their full participation in the negotiations and in the implementation of the new agreement," the President of the Republic said at UN Headquarters in New York on Thursday, 24 September 2009. President Halonen stressed that, even in a contracting world economy, it is important to honour commitments to reduce extreme poverty and to reach the Millennium Development Goals. "The solution of the current financial and economic crisis should be based on the concept of fair globalization. Our action, while striving at sustainable economic growth, must address the goal of decent work for all. It is essential that we keep our commitments to development in spite of our budget constraints."

President of the Republic Tarja Halonen speaking at the 64th Session of the UN General Assembly. Photo: Mika Horelli

In the world economy, President Halonen called for a new global consensus on business ethics, integrity and sustainable economic growth. "We must work together so that trust in international financial institutions can be re-established. Let us make them more transparent, accountable and sustainable."

Summit on Climate Change

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon convened a Summit on Climate Change in connection with the General Assembly on Tuesday, 22 September 2009. The opening session acknowledged and explored the difficulties that must be faced at the Copenhagen Climate Conference in December. Political will to resolve difficulties was expressed.

"We're getting down to business," President Tarja Halonen commented when asked about her first impressions of the summit. "In both the opening session and the roundtable that I co-chaired, there was real concern that if we miss the opportunity in Copenhagen, a second chance won't come easily."

After the roundtable, President Halonen described the mood as upbeat. "We have to believe in the Copenhagen conference," she said. The roundtable particularly addressed developing countries' objectives for reducing emissions and ways to assist developing countries in a more sustainable and environmentally friendly direction. President Halonen emphasized cooperation among all nations through the UN. President of the Republic Tarja Halonen and Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen attended the opening session of the Summit on Climate Change.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (middle) hosted a luncheon. Around the table are US President Barack Obama (left), President of the Republic Tarja Halonen and President of the Russian Federation Dmitry Medvedev. UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe

The programme on Tuesday also included a luncheon discussion for heads of state and government, business leaders and representatives of civil society on the topic of sustainable business and decent work, among other things.

On Monday, 21 September President Halonen opened the "100 Years of Women's Voices and Action in Finland" exhibition at Columbia University in New York. "Does women's participation have an influence on policy? Yes, it does!" President Halonen said in her opening words. "Strengthening women's position and rights has also been key in Finland's international activities. Women's rights, preventing violence against women, gender equality and education are essential in promoting human rights and development."

Focus on women and climate change at side event arranged by Finland and Liberia

On Thursday, 24 September Finland and Liberia arranged a side event on women, security and mitigating climate change. President Halonen served as co-chair together with President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf of Liberia. The event followed up an international colloquium on women's leadership that was held in Monrovia last March. Earlier on Thursday she attended a session of the Security Council chaired by President Obama and a luncheon for women leaders that was hosted by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

President Halonen and Prime Minister Naser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah of Kuwait (right) co-chaired a roundtable on climate change. Photo: UN Photo/Evan Schneider

At the start of the General Assembly week on Sunday, 20 September, President Halonen met with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon at UN Headquarters in New York. They discussed climate issues, the upcoming G20 Summit and timely international issues such as Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran and Cyprus. During the week President Halonen has met with various heads of state and also attended a reception hosted by US President Barack Obama.

Speech at the 64th Session of the UN General Assembly

Presidents of Finland and Liberia co-host UN event

Speech at a side event of Finland and Liberia

8.3.2009 President Halonen in West Africa: Women need more opportunities