President Halonen at the UN: Women have key position in resolving conflicts

Women are in key position in solving many international crisis and challenges, President of the Republic Tarja Halonen said in her speech at the 63rd Session of the United Nations General Assembly. President Halonen, for example, referred to climate change, food crisis and economic uncertainty. “The most vulnerable – women and children – suffer the most.”

President Halonen at the press conference in New York, 23 September 2008. UN Photo/Mark Garten

On the other hand, women can also be powerful agents of change. According to President Halonen, it is important that also women participate in combating climate change, developing the rural sector as well as in preventing conflicts and rebuilding of societies.

Concerning climate change, President Halonen reminded about sustainable management of natural resources, the importance of forests and offered Finland’s expertise in developing forest management. “Forests are crucial in reducing greenhouse gases. Finland has a long history of sustainable forest management, and we understand its impact on rural development and employment. We would like the UN to intensify its efforts to assist governments and communities to improve their capacities for rural development and sustainable forest management. We are ready to work with others in this respect.”

In addition to new and unexpected challenges, we are also facing conventional crisis, and, unfortunately, armed conflicts are still a reality all over the world, Halonen noted. According to her, the need to adapt the international architecture to common challenges is deeper than ever. “We need an efficient UN to find common solutions for our future. The UN represents collective security in its most global form. Finland is committed to building a more secure, fair and just world through a reformed and credible UN.”

According to President Halonen, the UN and regional organisations should work closer together in carrying the burden in preventing and resolving conflicts. As examples of this, she mentioned Kosovo and most recently the crisis in Georgia, where there has been cooperation between the UN, the EU and the OSCE. “Increased cooperation should also be extended to the African Union”, President Halonen stated and referred to the situations in Chad and in the Republic of Central Africa.

At the end of her speech, President Halonen reminded about the Millennium Development Goals that were adopted eight years as well as the UN principles. “Today and in this room, it is once again time to pledge our joint commitment to the ideas and values of the United Nations. The Charter calls us "to unite our strength to maintain international peace and security." While the concept of security has changed and become broader, it is upon us to follow this call of the Charter and translate it into action.”

Full text of the speech