UN needed now more than ever: Niinistö

President Sauli Niinistö on Monday said the need for United Nations now is more than ever.

In his statement issued remotely at the high-level meeting to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the UN, he also said that the ability to form common responses has been weakening.

“Today, we are celebrating the seventy-fifth anniversary of the United Nations. We are rightfully honouring its achievements and efforts for peace and security, development and human rights. At the same time, our ability to form common responses has been weakening,” said the president, adding that the norms and institutions, built together over decades, are under increasing pressure.

He said international agreements are challenged and interpreted in ways which weaken both their potential and their legitimacy.

“This tide must turn. Global challenges that threaten the very existence of humanity require effective multilateral cooperation. We now need the United Nations more than ever,” Niinistö added.

He also emphasized the need to be recommitted to the principles of the UN regarding the UN declaration approved on Monday.

According to him, the seventy-five year old Charter has stood the test of time well.

“It is up to all of us – the Peoples of the United Nations – to uphold the Charter and its values. And it is our responsibility to achieve the future we want – to create a more peaceful, a more sustainable, and a more just world for future generations,” said the president.

He, however, said that to be honest: this anniversary comes at a difficult moment for the UN.

“Our humankind is confronted with common enemies – the COVID-19 pandemic to climate change,” he said.

Finland joined the United Nations in 1955. In the ceremony celebrating Finland’s membership, the Finnish representative quoted a statement made on that occasion: “One of the greatest tasks facing our community of nations is to build up and strengthen a system of law based on universal respect for mutual rights among all nations. In this constructive work for the good of humanity, Finland, true to its own ideas and aspirations wishes wholeheartedly to participate.”

These words still ring true today. Finland remains fully committed to this goal, Niinistö added.