SPEECH BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF FINLAND, MR. MARTTI AHTISAARI AT A DINNER IN HONOUR OF SECRETARY-GENERAL OF THE UNITED NATIONS, MR. KOFI ANNAN AND MRS. NANE ANNAN

HELSINKI ON 13 AUGUST 1997

It is with a feeling of great warmth that I have the honour to welcome you, Mr. Secretary-General and Mrs. Annan, to this dinner. We in Finland highly appreciate your paying a visit to our country.

We have worked closely together at the United Nations. Our respective functions may be different today, but what we continue to have in common is a commitment to the noble objectives and purposes of the world organisation.

We have followed with the greatest interest your work during your first months as the head of the United Nations. Your report on comprehensive reform of the UN system is a timely and powerful contribution. With the international system undergoing such profound and historic change, we need a relevant and dynamic United Nations.

Let me assure you that the Finnish Government strongly supports the comprehensive UN reform launched under your leadership.

On the eve of the 21^{st century, humankind faces many demanding challenges. We have to prepare ourselves for the truly global era that we are now entering.}

^{Our instruments must be adapted and developed accordingly. UN reform is necessary and it must succeed. Outdated bureaucratic structures must be streamlined and if necessary dismantled, innovative thinking must be rewarded and consistent and long-term funding must be secured. Your report provides a solid basis for action.}

^{Globalisation means increasing opportunities - particularly for the developing world. One of your distinguished predecessors once lamented that the whole continent of Africa was fading away. Today we see signs of real development taking place in Africa. This is part and parcel of globalisation.}

^{However, globalisation has its worrisome aspects; its impact on the environment and the distribution of wealth are examples. The UN is and must remain a key actor in alleviating these risks.}

^{Finland is committed to strengthening the international role of the European Union, which is already the single biggest contributor to the UN. Therefore reform is crucial for the EU.}

^{If regional organisations are strong, the UN will also be strong. Finland strongly advocates close cooperation between the UN and regional organisations, such as the OSCE. Complementarity, not competition is the key.}

^{The need for crisis management is a central concern for all who wish to preserve and strengthen the United Nations. Our primary task is to prevent military conflicts and manage crisis situations as well as to create stability.}

^{We should develop a capacity for crisis management and find new forms and coalitions for peacekeeping operations. The NATO-led operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina is an example of a new style of crisis management, featuring significant international cooperation and demonstration of force. However, the UN role in peacekeeping remains central and deserves the full and unreserved support of the international community. The UN has always been able to count on Finland.}

^{On behalf of all those present, let me raise my glass in your honour and to your personal well-being. I wish you the best of success in your important work for humankind.}