President’s message of hope sets tone for 2018

President Sauli Niinistö in his New Year’s speech reflected on the centenary year, the economy, young peoples’ concerns, world peace, and climate change, among other important issues.

“It has been rousing to see how people’s festive mood taking over the country during the course of the year. We recapped the past, looked to the future and, above all, felt genuine joy of our own Finnishness,” said Niinistö

According to the president, the year now beginning is a time that immediately pauses one for some self-reflection.

“The memories of 1917 and 1918 are almost diametrically opposed. The best that any nation could face came first, only to be followed by the worst. The year in which we gained independence was followed by a year in which civil war broke out. Not even long after have all the scars been healed,” he added.

On his take on the economy, Niinistö pointed out that after a lost decade, the economy is in an upswing and employment has begun to improve.

“This turn of events is sorely needed. Even so, our economy has yet to reach the level it was at in 2008,” Niinistö said.

Still on the economy, the president stressed the importance of keeping up with global economic trends since it is well known that the country is dependent on exports and global demand.

“A deep change is now under way in the global economy, where technological advances are quickly forging completely new sectors of industry and changing the traditional forms of work. We must ensure that we keep up with this development and competition. And not just keep up, Finland has the know-how to be a leader in this development,” Niinistö said.

Citing the Slush event as an example, Niinistö shared his delight at the enthusiasm shown by young people in wanting to become entrepreneurs while at the same time voicing their concerns.

“The atmosphere from vocational colleges to Slush reflects this changing attitude more broadly. Young people trust in the prowess of their heads and their hands,” said Niinistö adding, “Young people also have their concerns. A study published in the autumn mapped the feeling of security among young Finns. The message was a serious one. Insecurity is penetrating their environment. The feeling of threat is not so much external, but comes from within our society. Concerns include livelihood, inequality or immigration,” the president said.

Niinistö also emphasised the importance of dialogue and participation in matters of world peace and security where China, Russia and the United States take precedence.

“Of course, dialogue between major powers is a good thing. But as far as we are concerned, the problem is the missing seats: The EU has remained on the sidelines and the role of the UN seems to be diminishing. Fortunately, there is always room for small actors between the major powers. Finland is more than pleased to provide good services when required. Finland is also active in supporting stability and dialogue in the Baltic Sea area, Arctic areas and also globally,” he said.

On the climate front, the president said the country is committed to the implementation of the Paris Agreement and had just increased its international climate funding.

“The world’s population is increasing rapidly. It is paradoxical that the population is increasing fastest in those regions where it is difficult to take responsibility for children, where living conditions are otherwise poor and facing the greatest threat because of climate change. There will be atrocities, immigration, perhaps even mass migration,” said Niinistö.

In his concluding remarks, Niinistö stressed the importance of helping women in developing countries pointing to Finland as an example.

“Girls must be allowed to go to school and determine the course of their lives. This is not only right for them themselves, but at the same time, it is of utter importance for all of us. Women have made an invaluable contribution to Finland’s own story. It is hard to imagine how humankind could afford not to set this potential free,” said the president.

The full speech of the president is available on the Office of the President’s website.