SPEECH BY MR. MARTTI AHTISAARI,

PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF FINLAND,

AT THE AMERICAN-SCANDINAVIAN FOUNDATION GALA DINNER

IN NEW YORK ON 14 OCTOBER 1997

Thank you all for this very warm welcome. And thank you all for honoring Finland tonight.

For Mrs. Ahtisaari and me, this is a wonderful homecoming. It feels so good to meet old friends and make new ones in this city, which for so many years has been our home town.

Let me first thank the American-Scandinavian Foundation and its leadership, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Mr. Albert Dowden, and the President, Mr. Ed Gallagher, for everything you have done to strengthen Finnish-American educational and cultural relationships.

We all are particularly indebted to the three chairpersons who have given their time and leadership to make tonight's gala a reality: thank you, Mrs. Jane Erkko, Mrs. Linda Nordberg and Mr. Jorma Ollila.

And finally, very warm thanks to all of you who wanted to share this evening with us and to support the Foundation's important work to foster links between Scandinavia and the United States.

Ever since the first Finnish settlers came to these shores aboard Kalmar Nyckel and Fogel Grip 360 years ago, America has beckoned Finns as a land of freedom and opportunity. These were not just abstract values for the more 350 000 Finnish immigrants who came to this country before our independence. Where they came from, economic opportunity and political freedom were scarce quantities. The political philosophy of independent Finland shares your values - liberty and democracy, free speech and human rights as well as a market economy. Finland is one of the relatively few European countries where these values, and the constitutional order that embodies them, endured unchanged throughout the tumults of the Second World War and the Cold War. Since we share these values with you, we now can celebrate together their vindication after the end of the Cold War and the collapse of communism.

Although some Scandinavian phenomena have occasionally been looked upon here with a critical eye, our countries are mostly perceived in the United States in a very positive way. It is true that the Scandinavian welfare society faces the daunting challenge of globalization and integration. It may no longer hold out the prospect of cradle-to-grave security for all as it once did. Yet many important values remain and will not be compromised. We believe that every member of our society should be given an equal start in life. A stable environment is valued by individuals and companies alike. A solid education is a vital factor in international competitiveness.

While many aspects of the welfare society certainly warrant rethinking, its core content remains sound. I believe that we are in a good position in Scandinavia to develop our societies to meet the challenges of the 21^{st century and continue to inspire Americans too, as we go along.}

^{The cultural bonds between the United States and Scandinavia are strong and diverse. Here, the American-Scandinavian Foundation makes an invaluable contribution by promoting deeper understanding between our nations through educational and cultural exchange and fellowships, and by making thousands of Americans aware of and interested in our countries and cultures.}

^{Yet we know that much remains to be done. There are many more things that could be offered to enrich American-Scandinavian relations. But in this country, and especially in this city, each of our relatively small countries have to compete furiously for attention with dozens of other countries that also have interesting things to show - not to even mention the competition with the home team in this capital city of American culture. Like they say in the song, if you make it here, you'll make it anywhere. But first you have to succeed here, in New York.}

^{In this regard, I would like to commend the ambitious new project of the ASF to establish Scandinavia House - a Nordic center in New York City. It can greatly increase the visibility of Scandinavian countries by showcasing our cultures and exploring traditional and contemporary economic, social and political issues in our countries.}

^{Finns are watching the development of this project with excitement and anticipation. At present, the Foundation is engaged in a broad fund-raising campaign that has already yielded good results. The ASF has also sought help from the five Nordic Governments.}

^{Finland wants to be part of this project. Thus, I can announce now here tonight that the Finnish Government is prepared to pledge a half million dollars, assuming that this will become a successful joint Nordic project.}

^{We follow the Icelandic lead with this decision, and I dare to hope that our example, in turn, will be followed by the others. Let me also add that the project cannot be completed without the strong support of Scandinavian businesses.}

^{So much for the bookkeeping, and for speechmaking, too. I understand that we have ahead of us a wonderful evening's celebration. ASF is promising us a program far more exciting than just speeches.}

^{I want to conclude by thanking you once again for joining us tonight. Let me wish you all an enjoyable ASF Gala.}

^{Thank you.}