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The President of the Republic of Finland: UN Panel on Global Sustainability

The President of the Republic of Finland
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News, 9/18/2010

President Halonen at the UN General Assembly in New York

UN Photo/Ky ChungThe world needs an understanding of global development which is economically, socially and environmentally sustainable,” said President of the Republic Tarja Halonen in her speech at the UN General Assembly in New York on 24 September 2010. “Climate issues and the recent financial, economic and food crises call for a change.”

“Lasting solutions to global challenges cannot be found without women’s active participation in decision-making at all levels,” the President said. “Investing in women and girls has a vital effect on eradication of poverty and sustained economic growth. Having heard the discussions this week, I am happy to conclude that there has clearly been a breakthrough in this respect. This is a good basis to continue from.”

According to President Halonen both developed and developing countries aspire towards economic growth. “But growth needs to be green, equitable and inclusive. It must create jobs, promote opportunities for decent work and a better life for everyone.”

UN Panel co-chaired by President Halonen began its work

The High-level Panel on Global Sustainability convened for the first time on Sunday, 19 September. Photo: Mika HorelliThe High-level Panel on Global Sustainability convened for the first time on Sunday, 19 September. Photo: Mika Horelli

Co-chaired by President Halonen, the UN High-level Panel on Global Sustainability began its work in New York on 19 September 2010, before the Session of the General Assembly. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon established the Panel in August and invited President Tarja Halonen to co-chair the panel with President of the Republic of South Africa Jacob Zuma, who participated in the first session via a video connection. Secretary-General Ban also participated in the Sunday opening session.

“Green economy will require big changes in the way the world does business, changes in our production and our consumption patterns and also in national and international decision-making,” said President Halonen when addressing the international press. Secretary-General Ban urged the panel to “think big” and to look for bold but practical proposals. The Secretary-General said that the panel is faced with the “50–50–50 challenge”: by 2050 the world’s population will have grown by nearly 50 per cent, and by that same year greenhouse gas emissions have to be cut by 50 per cent in order to keep climate change in check.

The next meeting of the panel will take place early next year, with the work of the panel set for completion by the end of 2011.

Clinton Global Initiative

Photo: Mika HorelliClinton Global Initiative: President Bill Clinton, President of the Republic of Finland Tarja Halonen, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Google Inc. Eric Schmidt, Co-Chair and Trustee of Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Melinda French Gates and President and Chief Executive Officer of Procter & Gamble Bob McDonald. Photo: Mika Horelli (webcast)

On Tuesday, 21 September President Halonen spoke at the opening plenary session of the Annual Meeting of the Clinton Global Initiative in New York at the invitation of former U.S. President Bill Clinton. In addition to President Halonen, the participants of the discussion moderated by President Clinton were Co-Chair and Trustee of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Melinda Gates, Google Inc. Chief Executive Officer Eric Schmidt and Procter & Gamble President and Chief Executive Officer Bob McDonald. The Opening Plenary Session was the main event of the three-day meeting, attracting around 1,300 participants.

Led by President Bill Clinton, the panellists discussed ways of helping developing countries. President Halonen talked about the UN High-level Panel on Global Sustainability, which started its work on Sunday. She emphasized the three interdependent dimensions of sustainable development: the economy, the society and the environment. The President also pointed out the importance of reproductive and infant health.

President Halonen said that the Baltic Sea Action Summit organised in Helsinki this spring was based on similar thinking to the Clinton Global Initiative; heads of state, private businesses and non-governmental organizations participated in the Summit by making commitments. Organised during the Opening Session of the UN General Assembly, the Clinton Global Initiative attracts a wide gamut of political and corporate leaders as well as heads of major NGOs.

The programme for Tuesday also included the Summit on the Millennium Development Goals, where President Halonen gave a speech and chaired one of the thematic round-table sessions on the international financial system.

Fair globalization both an end and a means

On Monday, 20 September President Halonen spoke at an event organised by the ILO focusing on the Millennium Development Goals and decent work. The event was opened by ILO Director-General Juan Somavia.

In her speech President Halonen stated that fair globalization is both a value in itself and a means of implementing the Millennium Declaration and the related Development Goals. “[A]ccess to decent work and education for all are the key to lifting individuals and nations from poverty to prosperity,” she said. President Halonen also pointed out the importance of the inclusion of women in development. “[T]he full participation of women in society is right in terms of equality, and it also increases competitiveness of the country and promotes fair globalization.”

A campaign aimed at reducing maternal and infant mortality was launched in New York on Monday. President of the Republic Tarja Halonen was invited as a member of the Global Leaders Council for Reproductive Health. The Council is chaired by former President of Ireland Mary Robinson, with other members including President of the Republic of Liberia Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former Prime Minister of Norway Gro Harlem Brundtland and UNDP Administrator Helen Clark.

During the week President Halonen also held several bilateral meetings and participated in several partnership events. 


Further information:

President Halonen Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon at the meeting of UN High-level Panel on Global Sustainability. Photo: Mika HorelliPresident Halonen Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon at the meeting of UN High-level Panel on Global Sustainability. Photo: Mika Horelli

 

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Updated 9/29/2010

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