President Halonen: the UN key forum in addressing global challenges

According to President of the Republic Tarja Halonen, in addressing global challenges, the United Nations is the key forum for our cooperation – but the UN has to change. “We should not spare any efforts to continue the overall reform of the UN”, President Halonen emphasised at the Opening Session of the 62nd United Nations General Assembly in New York on 26 September, 2007. President Halonen also spoke on the current crisis. “This morning we have heard news from Burma-Myanmar where the fight of the people for freedom and human rights has been suppressed. We must react”, President Halonen said. President Halonen stressed the importance of engaging women in all phases of crisis management: conflict prevention, peacekeeping and peacebuilding - not forgetting peace talks. As an example, she presented the UNIFEM Middle East Initiative.” I believe that the cooperation between Israeli and Palestinian women under this initiative can help to restart the peace negotiations.”

President of the United States George W. Bush, Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon and President of the Republic of Finland Tarja Halonen at the dinner hosted by the Secretary-General. Photo: AP / Lehtikuva

“In order to achieve comprehensive security, we must strive not only for security but also for development and human rights -- A more just world is a safer world”, President Halonen said. “A stronger United Nations also needs the reform of the Secretariat. In this regard, we welcome the additional emphasis given to the rule of law. Support for the rule of law is a necessity in the consolidation of global security.”

According to President Halonen, the High-Level event on climate change on Monday was a success. However, a new agreement on climate change must be hurried. “Finland highlights the necessity to reach, as soon as possible, a globally inclusive agreement on the post-2012 climate regime. The UN has a central role to play in this process.”

President of the Republic of Finland Tarja Halonen and Minister for Foreign Affairs Ilkka Kanerva met with Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon on Tuesday 25 September. Copyright © Office of the President of the Republic of Finland

In connection with the Opening of the General Assembly, President Halonen attended a reception hosted by President of the United States George W. Bush and took part in the Clinton Global Initiative event arranged by former President Bill Clinton. President Halonen's programme during the week also included bilateral meetings, including one with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon.

Dr Pentti Arajärvi accompanied the President to New York, and attended the spouses programme of the UN week.

Speech by President Halonen at the 62nd Session of the UN General Assembly