Presidents of Kenya and Finland underscore the UN’s role in international peace and security

The Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland and CMI – Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation hosted the high-level dialogue and panel discussion The Promise of Peace in Helsinki on 10 June during the State Visit of the President of Kenya. The event focused on the future of the UN and multilateralism and the need to strengthen peace mediation and conflict prevention efforts.

President Alexander Stubb of Finland and President William Ruto of Kenya shared a clear message: the United Nations must retain a strong and central position at the core of international cooperation. As the global order is undergoing profound change, the Security Council’s agency and effectiveness must be strengthened, and its representation should be improved.  Presidents were aligned in their view that the Global South has a significant role in shaping the future of the new international order.

The United Nations must remain at the centre of international cooperation and global peace efforts.

President Alexander Stubb of Finland and President William Ruto of Kenya.

The presidential dialogue was followed by a high-level panel discussion featuring four Permanent Representatives to the United Nations in New York: H.E. Christian Wenaweser of Liechtenstein, H.E. Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett of Guyana, H.E. Tareq M. A. M. Albanai of Kuwait and H.E. Ahmet Yıldız of Türkiye. The discussion was moderated by Ambassador H.E. Elina Kalkku, Head of the Permanent Mission of Finland to the United Nations.

The Permanent Representatives raised issues concerning the role and reform of the Security Council, emphasizing the Council’s responsibility to act effectively in maintaining international peace and security. The importance of accountability within the Security Council also featured prominently in the discussions, further underscoring the urgency of reform. Against this backdrop, the next UN Secretary-General was widely seen as having a crucial part to play in advancing these efforts.

The speakers agreed that the United Nations must be able to preserve and adapt its position in a rapidly changing political landscape and fully utilize its tools and mechanisms to advance international peace and security worldwide. Strengthening multilateral cooperation and reforming key institutions were seen as essential steps towards this goal.

Photos: Maria Hossain Santto / CMI