Speech by President of the Republic Tarja Halonen at the High-Level Plenary Meeting on the Millennium Development Goals on 21 September 2010

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The Millennium Declaration is based on the idea that peace and security, development and respect of human rights are interlinked and mutually reinforcing. This trinity is still true.

A democratic state that respects human rights and the rule of law and applies good governance and social justice provides a solid foundation for aspirations of citizens. Activities of NGOs have been and are crucial to the implementation of the Goals. And we need also the work of business life.

There is strong evidence that our common efforts have brought results. The Goals have become an integral part of developing countries’ own national development strategies. Many examples demonstrate that the Goals have had an important role in national poverty reduction.

Finland is fully committed to the Millennium Development Goals. We will continue increasing funding for development cooperation, reaching 0.58% of Gross National Income next year, thereby keeping us on track to reach the 0.7% level by 2015. Our support is increasingly directed to Africa. We encourage other countries to do the same.

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The Millennium Development Goals are a part of a broad development agenda. It includes the mutually reinforcing objectives of ensuring respect, promotion and protection of all human rights and strengthening democracy and the rule of law.

Empowerment of women is crucial in order to achieve the Millennium Goals. But we need the commitment and contribution of both women and men.

Recent decline in maternal mortality shows that we can make a difference. A rights based approach is particularly important for promoting maternal health and reproductive rights of women. This scarf on my shoulders tells about a strong movement of women and men to support it.

Finland welcomes and strongly supports the newly established UN Women, which will promote gender equality worldwide as well as across the UN System.

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Eradicating poverty and improving the lives of all people need to be based on economic, social and ecological sustainability. Special attention must be given to indigenous peoples and ethnic minorities, who are often subject to discrimination. The rights of persons with disabilities must be made visible and addressed in Millennium Development Goal related activities at all levels.

In 2004, we decided that globalization should also be reformed because only fair globalization could be a positive force for all the peoples of the world. We must create conditions for sustainable economic growth leading to decent jobs. This is essential for reducing poverty.

There is a strong link between climate issues and the Millennium Development Goals. Progress in work related to climate change benefits our efforts to achieve the MDGs. We also need to protect biodiversity and ecosystems that contribute to efficient, long-term adaptation to climate change. Finland is looking forward to a fruitful High-Level Event on Biodiversity tomorrow.

The Secretary-General has set up a High-level Panel on Global Sustainability to formulate a new vision for sustainable growth and prosperity. I am honoured to chair the Global Sustainability Panel together with President Jacob Zuma of South Africa. After the first meeting of the Panel on Sunday, I can tell that the Panel is determined to put forward new ideas in order to meet the challenge.

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We in Finland strongly believe that the Millennium Development Goals can be achieved. A strong multilateral system is a vital key to this end. The Goals can be obtained only through cooperation and equal participation. Both developed and developing countries must be able to participate in and be committed to global decision making.

Ten years ago, I had the honour to chair the United Nations Millennium Summit with President Sam Nujoma of Namibia. I remember well the enthusiastic spirit at that meeting. Let’s keep that spirit in our heart and turn the Millennium Development Goals into the life of the people.