Speech by President of the Republic Tarja Halonen at the appointment of ETNO's Good Will Ambassadors

Globalization has affected us in many ways. People have moved from one country to another and with increased openness the world has appeared to shrink. We are also closer to one another as a result of electronic communications and improved transport connections.

Many new phenomena are already so much a part of our everyday lives that we no longer pay much attention to them. The current flight chaos caused by the ash cloud shows this in a very concrete way. A trip that normally takes a few hours lengthened into several days or became an insurmountable obstacle. The world grew large in an instant.

In a changing world, Finland like other countries has become increasingly multicultural and multiethnic. It should be pointed out, however, that we have never been simply a nation of blue-eyed, flaxen-haired Finns all speaking the same language. We also have our old minorities, which face discrimination - even today.

The regrettable byproducts of multiculturalism - prejudice, racism and higher than average unemployment among immigrants - are also problems for us. The idea of Finns' general lack of prejudice unfortunately does not correspond to everyday reality in our society.

In the midst of changes, equality and respect for human rights are still permanent values that are recognized by all the countries that have approved the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In addition to racism, discrimination based on age, gender, sexual orientation or other characteristics concerns every member of society.

We cannot afford to shut our eyes to problems. We must work to identify discrimination and fight it. Promoting a dialogue among cultures is our common international challenge, but it is also increasingly important nationally.

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Small daily acts and a culture of intervention require increased information to succeed. Information helps us to know one another. The learning process is always two-way and if successful can increase mutual understanding and tolerance. Learning tools are needed in day-care centres, schools and workplaces.

In addition to knowledge we need will and people who are ready to work for the common good. ETNO's Good Will Ambassadors can serve as encouraging examples and messengers. Visibility in the best case can have far-reaching positive impacts.

I noticed that you have chosen surprisingly few women as Good Will Ambassadors - this time they all appear to be men. In this connection I would like to emphasize that men nevertheless have the same responsibility for gender equality. Achieving ethnic equality also requires the achievement of gender equality.

My warm encouragement to all of ETNO's Good Will Ambassadors. Let work continue to build a better world. No one can be something for someone else, however, in this connection as well. Each person must stand up and take personal responsibility for his or her own actions.