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PERMANENT MISSION OF FINLAND TO THE UNITED NATIONS
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STATEMENT BY
H.E. Tarja Halonen
President of the Republic of Finland
High-level Plenary Meeting on the Millennium Development Goals
New York, 20-22 September 2010
United Nations, New York
21 September 2010
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Mr President,
Mr Secretary-General,
The Millennium Declaration is based on the idea that peace and security, development
and respect of human rights are interlinked and mutually reinforcing. This trinity is still
true.
A democratic state that respects human rights and the rule of law and applies good
governance and social justice provides a solid foundation for aspirations of citizens.
Activities of NGOs have been and are crucial to the implementation of the Goals. And
we need also the work of business life.
There is strong evidence that our common efforts have brought results. The Goals
have become an integral part of developing countries' own national development
strategies. Many examples demonstrate that the Goals have had an important role in
national poverty reduction.
Finland is fully committed to the Millennium Development Goals. We will continue
increasing funding for development cooperation, reaching 0.58% of Gross National
Income next year, thereby keeping us on track to reach the 0.7% level by 2015. Our
support is increasingly directed to Africa. We encourage other countries to do the
same.
Mr President,
The Millennium Development Goals are a part of a broad development agenda. It
includes the mutually reinforcing objectives of ensuring respect, promotion and
protection of all human rights and strengthening democracy and the rule of law.
Empowerment of women is crucial in order to achieve the Millennium Goals. But we
need the commitment and contribution of both women and men.
Recent decline in maternal mortality shows that we can make a difference. A rights
based approach is particularly important for promoting maternal health and
reproductive rights of women. This scarf on my shoulders tells about a strong
movement of women and men to support it.
Finland welcomes and strongly supports the newly established UN Women, which will
promote gender equality worldwide as well as across the UN System.
Mr President,
Eradicating poverty and improving the lives of all people need to be based on
economic, social and ecological sustainability. Special attention must be given to
indigenous peoples and ethnic minorities, who are often subject to discrimination. The
rights of persons with disabilities must be made visible and addressed in Millennium
Development Goal related activities at all levels.
In 2004, we decided that globalization should also be reformed because only fair
globalization could be a positive force for all the peoples of the world. We must create
conditions for sustainable economic growth leading to decent jobs. This is essential for
reducing poverty.
There is a strong link between climate issues and the Millennium Development Goals.
Progress in work related to climate change benefits our efforts to achieve the MDGs.
We also need to protect biodiversity and ecosystems that contribute to efficient, longterm adaptation to climate change. Finland is looking forward to a fruitful High-Level
Event on Biodiversity tomorrow.
The Secretary-General has set up a High-level Panelon Global Sustainability to
formulate a new vision for sustainable growth and prosperity. I am honoured to chair
the Global Sustainability Panel together with President Jacob Zuma of South Africa.
After the first meeting of the Panel on Sunday, I can tell that the Panel is determined to
put forward new ideas in order to meet the challenge.
Mr President,
We in Finland strongly believe that the Millennium Development Goals can be
achieved. A strong multilateral system is a vital key to this end. The Goals can be
obtained only through cooperation and equal participation. Both developed and
developing countries must be able to participate in and be committed to global decision
making.
Ten years ago, I had the honour to chair the United Nations Millennium Summit with
President Sam Nujoma of Namibia. l remember well the enthusiastic spirit at that
meeting. Let's keep that spirit in our heart and turn the Millennium Development Goals
into the life of the people.