Speech by President of the Republic Tarja Halonen at the Finnish UN Association's occasion in the Media Piazza at Sanoma House on United Nations Day, 24 October 2003

Exactly 58 years ago, the establishment of the UN meant hope for a better tomorrow. "Never again" was the idea that united different nations and governments recovering from the suffering of world war.

Since the founding of the UN, the world and its nations have seen and experienced all too much suffering and pain, but have also had plenty of reason to take heart from good development. Thanks go partly to the UN, whose activities to promote peace and development have made the world a safer and more stable place.

The UN is still an indispensable organization. It does not always work as effectively as we could hope. At best the UN can be more than the sum of its member states; at worst it is much less. The organization's effectiveness is ultimately dependent on the will of the member states, however. The will to make and implement decisions together and the will to give the world organization sufficient resources to carry out tasks. I am glad that the Finnish Government this year has committed itself more concretely to increasing development cooperation funds gradually to 0.7% of GDP. Finland is prepared to give its full support to Secretary-General Kofi Annan's efforts to increase the UN's effectiveness.

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A better world requires a commitment to respect the UN Charter and to implement the Millennium Declaration and decisions made at recent conferences. Many political - and legal - commitments have been made, but there are serious shortcomings in implementation. This applies to democracy, human rights, the environment and development aid.

A better world requires cooperation. Peace and security are preconditions for sustainable development. Public interest is presently focused on the work of the Security Council, because it is so difficult and because decisions are made by so few on behalf of so many. Decision-makers and the content of decisions must enjoy the confidence of the member states and their citizens. The members of the Security Council should be models for others. No member of the UN should look for ways to get around the UN and the Security Council but all members should look for ways to make the UN the centre of action.

The situation in Iraq shows how bypassing the multilateral security system can lead to a disastrous situation and great difficulties for all those involved in the crisis and for the entire international community. The situation in Iraq plainly shows that a country can go to war on its own and can even win a war on its own. Building a lasting peace and security requires partners - international cooperation.

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A better world requires development and rebuilding. The Millennium Development Goals are all the member states' political commitment to promote development around the world. Achieving these goals does not require great economic sacrifices, but international solidarity and determined action.

The theme of United Nations Day this year is rebuilding. This involves building homes, schools, hospitals, roads and bridges. But above all it involves building social trust. Democracy, human rights and the rule of law are just as lacking as education and health care in countries which are ravaged by conflicts. These countries are too poor and devastated to be able to rebuild themselves alone. They need support from citizens, governments and the entire UN family. The news focuses our attention on timely crises. But we must not forget countries whose news value has ended much faster than their destitution and distress.

Secretary-General Kofi Annan is appealing for our help in rebuilding Iraq. Resolution 1511, which was unanimously approved by the Security Council last week, is a significant step for the future of Iraq. The resolution prepares the way for power finally to be transferred to the people of Iraq. The resolution also notes that the UN's position in Iraq should be strengthened and authorizes an international force to take the necessary measures to maintain security and stability in Iraq.

The Security Council adopted the resolution under Chapter VII of the UN Charter. This requires all the member states - including decision-makers - to comply with the resolution.

In Iraq stability and security have to be emphasized at the same time as rebuilding. It is difficult for the UN and other international organizations to act in a country where the security situation is poor. On the other hand we know that improving the security situation depends essentially on the progress of rebuilding. The solution can only be well-coordinated long-term, unanimous activity and winning the Iraqis' trust.

Finland will support the people of Iraq in rebuilding their country and creating a democratic system. We will also support the UN's activities in Iraq and will participate in implementing Resolution 1511. We will support the rebuilding of Iraq with 5 million euros this year and next year.

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I am very glad to be able to speak at this United Nations Day occasion arranged by non-governmental organizations. I greatly value your activities in making the UN and its principles better known and am thankful for the work which Finnish non-governmental organizations perform around the world to ensure a better tomorrow.