Finnish President Sauli Niinistö has called for global solidarity and strengthened multilateral cooperation as that is how the international community 'can and should emerge stronger' from the ongoing crises enhanced by the ripple effects of Russia's war against Ukraine.
At the 77th General Debate of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, the President said that the triple crisis of energy, food security, and finance is weighing heavily on a world already ravaged by the climate crisis and the Covid-19 pandemic.
Niinistö also strongly condemned the Russian government's actions in Ukraine calling them a "blatant violation" of the Charter of the United Nations.
"We can’t accept, condone or normalize grave violations of international law and human rights. A world where impunity prevails is unjust, unstable and dangerous. For all of us," the president said.
Mitigating climate change was also a key point of Niinistö's address that took place on Monday evening. According to him, combating climate change and nursing the economy are not mutually exclusive.
"We are on the verge of very dangerous tipping points," he said, adding that a "green transition has a tremendous potential to create jobs, innovations and economic growth. But it has to be done fairly."
The statement rounded off with a call to not grow apathetic in the face of multiple threats.
"We must not get used to violations of international law and human rights. Not close our eyes to the growing needs of the vulnerable. Not sleepwalk into a climate and biodiversity catastrophe. Nor should we lose sight of hope: there is still time to act."