Speech by President of the Republic Tarja Halonen to the diplomatic corps at a banquet at the Presidential Palace on 19 May 2009

(check against delivery)

It is a great pleasure to welcome you, the distinguished members of the diplomatic corps accredited to Finland, as well as our honoured Finnish guests, to this traditional banquet.

This year, we are commemorating important events in the history of Finland. Two hundred years ago, in 1809, as a result of a war between Sweden and Russia, Finland ceased to be part of Sweden. A period of our nation’s autonomy within the Russian Empire began. Several events are arranged to commemorate the year. Many of you attended the bicentenary anniversary of the Porvoo Diet in March.

Moving closer to the present day, the year 2009 also marks the 60th anniversary of the Council of Europe - and the 20th anniversary of Finland’s membership in the organisation. The Council of Europe and its activities have a central role in our foreign policy. It is important to continue promoting the core principles - democracy, human rights and the rule of law. These values also provide a solid foundation for the development of all societies worldwide.

* * *

The new report on Finnish security and defence policy was submitted to Parliament this spring. The report is based on a broad concept of security. We can best build our security through close coordination with other EU countries and multilateral cooperation. The United Nations is the key forum for this work.

Finland participates in international crisis management in order to promote peace and security, development and respect for human rights. We have for long contributed to different international crisis management operations led by the UN, the European Union and NATO. Involvement in crisis management – both civilian and military – is part of our international responsibility, and it strengthens our own security.

In crisis management, one major challenge is the recognition of the gender aspect. Experiences around the world have shown us that it is women and children that are particularly vulnerable during crisis situations. For example, the human rights of women and girls in Afghanistan are an acute challenge.

We must condemn rape and sexual violence that occurs in conjunction with conflicts, and ensure the fundamental and human rights of women and girls. I repeat my proposal that systematic rape in armed conflict should be classified as a weapon of war.

The International Colloquium on Women's Empowerment – which I had the honour to co-convene together with President of Liberia Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf in March – sent out a strong message about the need to fully implement the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security. Finland adopted her 1325 National Action Plan last year.

The efforts of those who actively work for a more secure and just world should be supported and acknowledged. We Finns are delighted that my predecessor President Martti Ahtisaari was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize last December for his life’s work in conflict resolution.

* * *

In a globalized world, deeper multilateral cooperation is needed to address our common challenges. President Barack Obama has taken an active role in international issues. This was his message also in the meeting with European Union leaders last month in Prague.

President Obama's vision for a world free of nuclear weapons is most welcome. It is positive that President Dmitry Medvedev gave his response when he spoke at the University of Helsinki in April. The commitment of both the United States and Russia to rapidly conclude a new agreement to reduce strategic nuclear weapons would bring a crucial contribution to increased global security.

You have often heard me speak about the necessity to promote sustainable development. Global challenges call for global ethics. The UN is the most suitable arena for setting common goals. I am looking forward to discussions with Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon when he will visit Helsinki next week.

We all, both industrial and developing countries, need to work together in order to reach a comprehensive global agreement on a new climate regime at the United Nations Copenhagen Climate Conference in December. The meeting is less than seven months away – we have no time to loose.

The wellbeing of people is strongly tied with the wellbeing of the nature. Mitigating climate change is necessary for the future of the whole humankind. Current economic problems must not slow down the process to combat climate change.

It is important to include a gender perspective in all matters related to climate change. We must encourage women to influence the climate change negotiations. Women can effectively contribute to mitigating the impacts of climate change.

In our region, an especially critical environmental problem is the state of the Baltic Sea. Saving it requires broad cooperation. Today, I have together with Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen and the Baltic Sea Action Group launched an initiative to encourage further commitments. This process will culminate in a high-level meeting in Helsinki in February 2010. We hope that it will bring together heads of state and government, corporations and businesses, NGOs and individuals from the Baltic Sea countries. A central focus will be to boost public-private partnerships.

* * *

In a few weeks’ time, the European elections will be held in the European Union Member States. Let us hope that EU citizens will actively use their right to vote. Citizens’ participation in elections is an essential part of democracy in all countries.

Mr Dean, Your Excellencies, I want to express my warmest thanks to you for the excellent cooperation. It has been a pleasure to work with you. I would like to propose a toast your honour and to the cooperation between our countries.