Opening statement by Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen at Finland’s UN Security Council Campaign launch

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is my great honor and pleasure to welcome you to this summer event.

Today, we officially launch Finland’s campaign for a seat on the United Nations Security Council in the elections to be held in June 2028. Thank you for joining us.

Finland approaches this candidacy with a deep sense of responsibility and humility.

At the heart of Finland’s vision for the Security Council stand peace, people, and partnerships.

The need for peace has never been greater. Amidst numerous conflicts, peace is something we must actively choose, build, and defend – together. Peace is a question of will.

Dear friends,

As Finnish Foreign Minister, I am often asked how Finland has become the happiest country in the world. My answer always comes back to our people.

From the very beginning, Finland invested in what we believed in: people, education, and equal opportunities for every child and person to rise, grow, and make a difference.

Just a little over a hundred years ago, Finland was a poor agrarian country where most adults could read but only a few could write. It was not only education—accessible to all—but also the right to work and start a business, along with full property rights and trust in public institutions, that laid the foundation for Finland’s success.

Today, Finland is a technologically advanced economy, keen to seek mutual prosperity through trade and investment. Our example shows that everything is possible.

Finland’s story is also one of resilience shaped by a deep understanding of war’s cost.

After gaining independence in 1917, Finland endured a tragic civil war.

During the Second World War, Finland defended its independence against aggression – successfully, but at great human and material cost.

These experiences profoundly shaped the nation, creating a clear awareness of the suffering war brings.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Finland is convinced that multilateral cooperation, based on international law including the UN Charter, is the bedrock for advancing peace, sustainable development and human rights globally.

For all nations to thrive, it is essential that the global order is based on shared rules. The world’s challenges are too great for any nation to solve alone.

Finland is a committed partner in promoting sustainable development, peace and prosperity. We remain a staunch defender of effective multilateralism.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

We have always sought to match our conviction with concrete support for the United Nations and its work.

Since 1956, Finland has participated in UN peace operations, contributing close to 60,000 troops, police and civilian personnel to some 30 UN-mandated missions.

We have been actively engaged in peace mediation in many parts of the world, and we have worked to strengthen the role and capacity of the United Nations in this field.

We have advanced the Women, Peace and Security agenda and the Youth, Peace and Security agenda, and we have invested in the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities. We have also addressed the serious security threats posed by accelerating climate change.

We also want to see the United Nations as a strong force for sustainable development and as a key actor in shaping the global digital agenda.

Today, artificial intelligence is fueling economic growth, enhancing productivity, and contributing to sustainable development. At the same time, it raises complex security challenges.

Our shared responsibility is to ensure that AI becomes a force for inclusive progress—benefiting not only the most advanced economies, but also countries and communities that risk being left behind in the transition.

AI has the power to work for the global good, solving the challenges most pressing for our planet and people.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Finland has served on the Security Council twice before, from 1969 to 1970 and 1989 to 1990. During its first term, Finland contributed to decolonization and played an active role in seeking solutions to a range of international challenges. We continued this approach during our second term and worked to promote Namibia’s independence, to address the situation of the Palestinian people, and to support the Council’s response to the occupation and annexation of Kuwait in 1990.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Throughout our candidacy, we look forward to engaging closely with all of you.

If elected in 2028, Finland would again work tirelessly to build common ground, inspired by the important role of the elected members of the Council.

We would work together with all of you. Only together can we strengthen the UN’s ability to deliver on its promise of peace for all.

Our candidacy is supported by our fellow Nordic Countries, and we always take turns when presenting our candidacies. I thank the Permanent Representatives of the Nordic Countries for standing with me here today.

I thank you for coming, and please enjoy this summer gathering, featuring Finnish Midsummer festivities under the light of our northern summer nights.