Brief Summary
The President of Finland addresses the UN General Assembly, emphasizing the importance of values, interests, and power in foreign policy, particularly for smaller nations. He notes the shift in the world order, the growing tension between multilateralism and multipolarity, and the need for UN reform to address current global challenges. He calls for upholding fundamental values, addressing conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, and other regions, and strengthening the UN's role in peace mediation.
- Foreign policy balances values, interests, and power.
- The post-Cold War order is ending, requiring a new approach.
- Multilateralism is crucial amidst multipolarity and transactionalism.
- The UN needs reform to maintain its role in international relations.
- Aggression and violation of international law must be addressed.
Introduction: Values, Interests, and Power in Foreign Policy
The President of Finland begins by defining foreign policy as a balance of values, interests, and power. For smaller countries like Finland, values and interests are more central, as hard or soft power is typically the domain of larger nations. The influence of smaller countries comes from their ability to cooperate, using smart diplomacy to gain relative influence, particularly within organizations like the UN.
The Changing World Order and the Role of the UN
The current world order is undergoing significant changes, similar to the period after World War II when the UN was founded. The post-Cold War order is ending, and the shape of the new order remains uncertain. Despite their size, every member state has a role in shaping this new world order, making it crucial to use this power wisely and responsibly.
Tension Between Multilateralism and Multipolarity
There is a growing tension between multilateralism, which is based on the rule of law, and multipolarity or transactionalism. While the rationale behind multipolarity and transactionalism is understandable, it is questionable whether they can effectively address global challenges like climate change and sustainable development. Many states are pursuing transactional or multiffactorial foreign policies to diversify relations, which can be opportunistic but also reasonable depending on political choices.
Values as the Foundation of Foreign Policy
Transactional foreign policy is driven by interests and a realistic understanding of power, which defines the limits of what each state can achieve. However, values should underpin all actions, even in transactional foreign policy. Setting aside values for the sake of power and interests can lead to significant problems.
The Shift in Global Power and Fundamental Values
The balance of power is shifting towards the south and the east, with countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America becoming key players. These countries have both agency and power due to their economic and demographic growth, which will translate into political and cultural influence. While UN members may not agree on every detail, a common understanding of fundamental values such as sovereignty, territorial integrity, prohibition of force, and respect for human rights is essential.
Challenges to International Law and Humanitarian Principles
Russia's aggression in Ukraine and Israel's violations of international law in Palestine are unacceptable. States should not use territories to fight proxy wars for economic or strategic interests. War is a failure of humanity and its fundamental values.
The State of the United Nations
The UN was created to maintain peace, stability, development, and friendly relations among nations, requiring a balance between power, interests, and values. Today, the UN struggles to fulfill its promise of delivering peace and stability, as countries increasingly break international law and use force against others. The UN does not sufficiently reflect the current balance of power, often fails to coordinate interests, and its core values are not always respected.
Summarizing Values, Interests, and Power
Values can be divisive but should unite us around principles of humanity, the rule of law, and the prohibition of aggression. Interests differ, and promoting them is acceptable, but choices have consequences. Power will constantly seek a new balance, requiring adaptation to change without being blinded by hard power. Legitimacy, integrity, and rules will remain strong.
Addressing Global Challenges and Conflicts
Humankind has the means to solve pressing global problems, but the current direction is wrong, with more wars than since World War II, increasing division, and lagging measures for climate change and sustainable development. Civilian suffering and disrespect for humanitarian principles are immense. Russia's war in Ukraine undermines international order, while Ukraine defends its right to exist.
Specific Conflicts: Ukraine and Gaza
Recent diplomatic efforts seek solutions to the war in Ukraine, but any decision will have far-reaching consequences. Aggression must not be rewarded, and accountability for international crimes must be pursued. In Gaza, civilians are experiencing immense suffering, with a deepening humanitarian crisis. An immediate ceasefire is needed, humanitarian aid must be granted, and hostages must be released. Efforts to advance the two-state solution, meeting Israeli and Palestinian security needs and Palestinian self-determination, are commended.
Global Conflicts and the Importance of Peace Processes
Conflicts in Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Haiti, Myanmar, and Mali cause immense suffering. Peace processes should not be transactional but guided by international law, with all stakeholders committed to sustainable peace and the UN's involvement. The work of journalists in conflict zones is crucial and must be protected.
Reforming the United Nations
The UN's composition largely reflects the world of 1945, necessitating changes in decision-making. A reformed Security Council should include stronger voices from underrepresented regions through permanent seats, with at least two new seats for Asia and two for Africa. No single state should have veto power, and voting rights should be suspended for members violating the UN charter. A comprehensive reform is needed to enhance the UN's credibility, relevance, and efficiency.
Finland's Commitment to the UN and International Peace
Finland strongly supports the UN and its goals of ending wars, protecting human rights, and promoting sustainable development. The UN needs to return to peace mediation, as its legitimacy is unmatched. Finland is standing for election to the Security Council for 2029-2030, pledging to be a principled and pragmatic partner for peace, committed to international law and seeking solutions that advance international peace and security.
