Opening statement by President of the Republic of Finland Tarja Halonen at the International Colloquium on Women's Empowerment, Leadership Development, International Peace and Security in Monrovia, Liberia on 7.3.2009

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It is a great pleasure to be in Liberia and participate in this meeting. I am very honoured that you, Madame President, invited me to co-convene and co-chair this event with you. Today, we are here, in front of all these brave women and men, and the meeting – that has been prepared for many months – is taking place. I would like to thank all those who have made this possible. As relates to Finland, I would like to mention in particular Minister Elisabeth Rehn, who has been the driving force and inspiration for this meeting in our country.

I am very happy that the meeting takes place here in Liberia. Your country has gone through a devastating war not so long time ago. Now the country is on her way towards security and prosperity. It is important that you continue to that direction with determination. Both women and men are needed to build a harmonious and solid society, which is based on democracy, respect for human rights and the rule of law.

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Conflict situations are often hardest for women and girls – respect for their human rights is at a particular risk. Women and even very young girls are raped and abused.

Last June, the UN Security Council adopted UN Resolution 1820, which acts as a supplement to UN Resolution 1325. This new Resolution strongly condemns the rape and sexual violence that many women are still subject to in conflict situations or armed conflicts. The Member States of the United Nations are called upon to do their utmost to prevent the continuation of these humiliating and cruel acts of violence.

UN General Secretary Ban Ki Moon has founded a campaign against violence to women entitled UN Action against Sexual Violence in Conflict – Stop Rape Now! I myself, as many of us, have signed the UNIFEM appeal to support the campaign.

One means to deal with this issue would be to officially classify systematic rape as a weapon of war. This could have strong effects in post-conflict situations – in particular in Disarmament, Demobilization, Reintegration, Resettlement and Repatriation processes of former combatants. These processes are a part of many UN crisis management operations.

Today, we are here together with many women who have been brave, innovative and very determined to work for peace. For example, the Mano River Women's Network – which was set up in this region, West Africa – is well-known around the world for having worked successfully to help end the conflict.

In many conflicts – such as in Congo and in Sudan – women have tried to get access to peace negotiations, also with the help of some of you, but it still proves to be hard. In practice, this means that a half – or in conflict areas usually more than a half – of the population is left out from the attempts to find solutions.

Experiences around the world show that participation of women in peace processes and the development of post-conflict societies enhances lasting solutions. This country is an excellent example of this. President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, the former Prime Minister of New Zealand Helen Clark and I myself have been cooperating with UNIFEM to support dialogue between Israeli and Palestinian women. The International Women’s Commission for a Just and Sustainable Palestinian-Israeli Peace (IWC) was set up in 2005.

The UN Security Council Resolution 1325 has been in force since the year 2000. Its implementation is still not a reality but the work continues. We must not be simply satisfied with words but we must demand action.

Finland adopted her national programme last autumn, and we are willing to share our experiences and cooperate with other countries on this issue. One practical way of cooperation is through twinning programmes – co-operation between Liberia and Ireland is a good example of this approach.

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Democracy, respect for human rights and the rule of law are the foundations of a stable and well-functioning state. To increase well-being of people and overall prosperity, we need to involve also women fully in the decision-making and development processes.

The World Bank has taken an active role in the promotion of women's economic empowerment. Women need economic opportunities, and the world needs women's economic activity. In this respect, I consider that we need to invest much more in people – in women and children. Education is one of the key objectives of the UN Millennium Development Goals. The World Economic Forum has identified girls’ education as one of the most effective means to improve the economy of a developing country. Education is key secret behind the success.

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Finally, I would like to draw your attention to the issue of environment and climate change. Security and well-being of humankind are strongly tied with the well-being of the nature. Globally, climate change is one of the most difficult challenges for sustainable development.

We know that climate change will hit most seriously the poorest regions and the weakest groups of people. About 70 % of the poor in the world are women, and they will suffer most by the effects of climate change.

The viewpoint of women must be taken into account in all matters related to climate change. The UN Copenhagen Climate Conference will take place in December this year – so there is no time to loose.

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I look forward to the outcomes of this Colloquium and interesting discussions. We, the participants from all over the world and of different backgrounds, can make a difference to women empowerment, peace and security.