Addressing the United Nations General Assembly, the President of Finland outlines that foreign policy is fundamentally driven by values, interests, and power, noting that smaller nations must rely heavily on cooperation and smart diplomacy. The speech argues that the post-Cold War order has ended, creating a period of flux where every UN member state holds agency in shaping the future. The President identifies three key developments: the tension between multilateralism (rule of law) and interest-driven transactionalism; the inexorable power shift toward the Global South and East; and the UN's struggle to fulfill its mandate due to outdated structures. The address includes strong condemnations of global conflicts, specifically naming Russia's aggression in Ukraine and Israel's violations in Palestine, and demanding immediate ceasefires, accountability, and the comprehensive implementation of a two-state solution based on international law. Finally, the President urges radical reform of the UN Security Council, advocating for increased permanent membership for Asia and Africa, the suspension of veto power for nations that violate the Charter, and the re-establishment of the UN's crucial role in peace mediation.
Summarizing the Finnish President's Address
0:19 Foreign Policy Pillars: Defines foreign policy based on values, interests, and power. Smaller countries leverage cooperation and "smart diplomacy" as their main sources of influence, relying heavily on values and interests rather than hard power.
1:37 End of the Order: Declares the post-Cold War order is over, anticipating that the new world order will take 5 to 10 years to settle. Stresses that every member state has the agency to influence the resulting structure.
3:10 Multilateralism vs. Transactionalism: Notes a growing tension between multilateralism (rule of law) and multi-polarity/transactionalism (driven purely by interests). Argues that even interest-driven policies must be fundamentally anchored by values to avoid ultimate collapse or war.
5:22 Shifting Power: Highlights that the balance of power is shifting towards the Global South and East (Africa, Asia, Latin America), driven by economic expansion and demographic growth, yielding hard and soft power.
6:25 Fundamental Values: Reaffirms that 193 UN members must agree on core values enshrined in the UN Charter, including sovereignty, territorial integrity, prohibition of force, and human rights.
6:56 Condemnation of Violations: Provides clear condemnations: Russia has no right to continue aggression in Ukraine; Israel has no right to violate international law in Palestine; states have no right to use territories in Sudan or Congo for proxy wars.
8:29 Critique of the UN: States that the UN is struggling to deliver peace and stability, reflecting the world of 1945 rather than current power realities, and failing to serve as an effective coordination forum.
12:34 Middle East Crisis: Calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, safe and unhindered humanitarian access, and the immediate release of all hostages.
13:24 Requirements for Peace: Commends efforts toward a two-state solution, emphasizing that negotiations must meet both Israeli and Palestinian security needs, and grant Palestine its right to self-determination and sovereignty (ending the 1967 occupation). Further requires that all non-recognizing countries must recognize Israel.
16:12 Call for Security Council Reform (Key Takeaway): Demands UN reform, specifically proposing an increase in permanent Security Council members (suggesting two new seats for Asia and two for Africa).
17:01 Veto Suspension: Proposes that if a Security Council member violates the UN Charter, its voting rights should be suspended (a position met with applause).
18:04 Restoring UN Relevance: Urges the UN to return to its central role in peace mediation, arguing that the current rise in conflicts is partly due to the UN's absence in this field.
18:45 Finland's Commitment: Announces Finland's candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the Security Council for the 2029β2030 term, pledging to be a "principled and pragmatic partner for peace."