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Statement by Prime Minister Juha Sipilä at the 60th anniversary of Finland's membership to the United Nations
Sustainable Development – Making It Happen

valtioneuvoston viestintäosasto
Julkaisuajankohta 9.12.2015 11.00
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Mr. Secretary-General,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

We are living in a time of great global change. We are also facing great challenges that are closely interlinked – such as climate change, poverty, and growing instability. One challenge cannot be tackled without the other.

It is therefore of great significance that in September, world leaders agreed on common sustainable development goals for the next fifteen years. The new Agenda 2030 creates momentum. It also offers a great opportunity to end poverty, achieve stability and promote shared well-being.

Agenda 2030 is convincing proof of what the United Nations essentially stands for.

What we need now is determined action to implement that vision. We need action at every level of society, in every country. And governments must show the way.

My Government is honoured to take the lead in advancing sustainable development in Finland. Finland will craft a national action plan for Agenda 2030 next year. My Office will be in charge of its national coordination. All sectors of the society need to be involved. We have to strengthen multi-stakeholder participation and come up with innovative solutions.

In Finland, the key mechanism for integrating all stakeholders of the society in advancing sustainable development is our National Commission for Sustainable Development. Established after the Rio Conference, it has worked without interruption for the past 22 years. This must be a world record of its kind.

I personally took the lead of the National Commission this autumn and truly appreciate being able to consult with civil society organisations, the private sector, academia and other stakeholders this way. Dialogue and trust create ownership and commitment. We will be happy to share our experiences within the UN system.

A unique tool for implementing Agenda 2030 in Finland is our social innovation called “Society’s Commitment to Sustainable Development”. 180 organisations from large companies to ministries, from cities to schools and citizens have already made their operational commitments, and more are to follow.

Together, these commitments can lead to greater results, bringing systemic change and creating a community of pioneers who will walk the talk of sustainable development.

My government is placing greater focus on involving the private sector to tap its knowledge in working for sustainable development. I urge our private sector to also build more partnerships with the UN system to build global solutions for a sustainable future.

I know from my own experience that Finnish companies are not only competitive and capable of producing innovative solutions for sustainable development but also conduct their businesses in a responsible manner.

International development cooperation will continue to be an integral part of our national implementation plan for sustainable development. But yes, we have unfortunately had to cut some of our development funding. This has raised debate in Finland and I can totally understand it.

But this doesn’t mean that we won’t remain true to our cause. We will continue to put special emphasis on advancing the rights and status of women and girls, on promoting economic development and job creation, on fostering peaceful societies and democracy, and on fighting climate change.

Let me assure you that these cuts are intended as an interim solution. We are determined to turn our economy back onto a path of growth. And we remain committed to the level of 0.7% of gross national income in development financing in the long term.

With the opportunities that Agenda 2030 provide, we will continue with greater resolve and focus to collaborate with our key partners UNFPA, UN Women, UNICEF and UNHCR.

Despite budget cuts, we will increase our contribution to help developing countries attract investments and build a thriving, responsible private sector. We will also direct an additional 1.5 million euro to support UNICEF innovation work and set aside additional new funding for mediation. The share of humanitarian assistance will remain high.

Ladies and gentlemen,

This autumn we have witnessed in a dramatic way the consequences of the failure of the international community to find a solution to the difficult and tragic situation in and around Syria.

The complex migrant and refugee situation is a great challenge for all of us. In our actions, it is important to ensure the full respect for human rights and international law without any discrimination.

We commend and continue to support the tireless efforts of the UN and humanitarian aid organizations in providing support to the affected populations in Syria and numerous other humanitarian crises.

Solving the crises requires, first and foremost, political solutions. We welcome your initiatives, Mr. Secretary-General, to address the humanitarian and refugee challenges in high-level meetings next year.

Finally, I would like to thank you, Mr. Secretary-General, for honouring the 60th anniversary of Finland's membership in the United Nations.

We Finns will continue to support the UN in the years to come with the same commitment and passion that has been there from the very beginning.