YK:n pääsihteeri Ban Ki-moon kiitteli tänään vuolain sanoin Suomea ja suomalaisia siitä, että Suomi on tukenut aktiivisesti YK:n tavoitteita ja ihmisarvon kunnioittamista koko YK-jäsenyytensä ajan. Suomen YK-jäsenyyden 60-vuotisjuhlassa Finlandia-talossa tänään puhunut pääsihteeri muisti puheessaan myös YK-liiton Syyria-keräykseen osallistuneita.
Ban muistutti puheessaan, että Syyrian humanitaarinen tilanne on erittäin vaikea. Hän halusi korostaa, että pakolaisten oikeuksien toteutuminen rikastaa myös niitä kansakuntia, jotka ottavat turvapaikanhakijoita vastaan.
Pääsihteeri Banin tämänpäiväisen puheen litterointi on luettavissa alla (pääosin englanniksi).
YK-liiton koordinoimaan keräykseen YK:n työn tukemiseksi Syyriassa ehtii vielä lahjoittaa täällä.
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YK:n pääsihteeri Ban Ki-moonin puhe Suomen YK-jäsenyyden 60-vuotisjuhlassa Helsingissä 9.12.2015 (englanniksi):
Your Excellency, Mr. Sauli Niinistö, President of Finland,
Dear citizens of Finland,
Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Distinguished guests,
Onnea Suomi!
Congratulations, Finland!
Over the past six decades, Finland, the Finnish people and the United Nations have developed a rich history – and a very fruitful partnership.
I am here to thank you in person for all that we have accomplished – and to challenge you to do even more.
We need Finland as an even louder voice for human rights, sustainable development and lasting peace.
I have come here from Paris, where I am attending the Climate Change Conference.
We are seeing results. Countries have made their climate action plans. Philanthropists and entrepreneurs are making exciting new commitments and investments. Cities, and private sector and civil society are forging many dynamic climate partnerships.
The transition to a low-emissions future is well under way.
But we still have much farther to go – and that is why we need significantly higher ambitions.
The Paris conference is not the end point – but it must mark a decisive turning point in the global response to climate change.
Now is the time for the world to adopt a universal climate agreement that includes all countries as part of the solution.
This is essential to the success of the 2030 Agenda – our vision of a life of dignity for all people, living in peace on a healthy planet.
Finland has helped to drive the push for sustainable development – and it is a leader on international law and human rights.
Finland should continue to stand for the rights of minorities and indigenous people. You have knowledge and credibility to share valuable experiences, including the Åland island example and the rights of the Sami.
Most recently, you have shown the way towards equality by adopting new legislation that grants marriage equality to all.
Understanding and compassion are urgently needed in our world.
People are on the move as never before. More than 60 million have been forced from their homes by violence and war. Many others leave in search of dignity and opportunity.
This is a global phenomenon that demands international cooperation. We need a new global compact on responsibility sharing. We need to save lives, increase protection and uphold human rights.
I have asked the High Commissioner for Refugees to convene a conference this coming March to galvanize pledges to help Syrians and others from the region. In May at the 2016 World Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul, the international community has to rise to the world’s immense humanitarian challenges.
Then in September, I propose to convene – just one day before the General Debate – a High-Level Summit on managing large-scale movements of migrants and refugees.
Ensuring the rights of refugees and migrants also enriches host communities.
To achieve this we need open dialogue with affected communities.
That is essential to prevent polarization, xenophobia and violence.
I urge you to continue this dialogue in Finland – and to be an example of an open and compassionate society, for the sake of those in need, and for our common humanity.
When people enjoy human rights, societies are strong.
Protecting human rights is essential to countering the appalling terrorist attacks in our world.
The United Nations stands with the victims of horrific attacks in Paris, Beirut, Baghdad, Yola and beyond.
Counter-terrorism measures must be robust while fully upholding our shared values.
Prevention is just as important.
I am calling for attention to the drivers of violent extremism.
I welcome Finland’s measures to prevent social exclusion and foster dialogue and understanding across religious and cultural lines. I applaud Finland’s work to promote human rights, equality and democracy. And I encourage you to keep your life-saving commitments to official development assistance at this time of great need.
Development assistance has never been more important.
I understand that we live in a time of financial crisis.
I appreciate the sacrifices and generosity of Finland and its people.
Humanitarian needs are at a record high.
Development aid helps address root causes.
That is why we must not divert resources from development to humanitarian aid.
People who flee across borders need shelter – and those who stay need decent conditions.
If countries redirect aid from development to crises, we will risk perpetuating the challenges.
I call on Finland to build on its proud tradition as a development champion – especially at this difficult time.
There can be no development without empowering women.
Finland was one of the first countries to have women in parliament – starting more than a century ago, in 1907.
A great daughter of Finland, the late Helvi Sipilä, was the first woman Assistant Secretary-General at the United Nations.
Former President Tarja Halonen has played a pivotal role in supporting the United Nations.
I love her story of visiting a kindergarten. She asked a boy, “Don’t you want to be president of the Republic?” He said, “I didn’t know men could be presidents, too.”
Of course, Finland now has a very capable man as President. So there seems to be gender equality!
Now we need to do more to promote women’s rights everywhere.
The United Nations is grateful for Finland’s staunch support for disarmament, conflict prevention, peacekeeping and mediation.
President Ahtisaari was rightly recognized with the Nobel Peace Prize for his peacemaking. He built on the Finnish tradition that began in 1964 when Sakari Tuomioja served as the UN mediator in Cyprus.
This Finnish practice of dialogue and mediation has contributed to peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo and Namibia. Finland brings great expertise as Co-Chair of the Group of Friends of Mediation.
This country helped steer the adoption of the ground-breaking Arms Trade Treaty.
Finnish soldiers have served as UN blue helmets since 1956. I pay tribute to the memory of the 45 Finns who lost their lives for the cause of peace. I am deeply grateful to the 300 uniformed Finns now deployed with the UN.
This country has a vibrant civil society with groups that are making a mark – like the Crisis Management Initiative and Finn Church Aid.
I thank all those Finns who have contributed to the United Nations Association-Finland fund-raising drive for Syrian refugees.
I hope that all people can follow this example in showing solidarity.
This significant sixtieth anniversary of Finland’s membership coincides with the 70th anniversary of the United Nations.
I am doing everything possible to modernize our operations so that the United Nations can best serve the world’s peoples.
With all of the problems we face, I am inspired by a Finnish word I learned – “Sisu” [“See-Soo”].
Although it may be difficult to translate, I understand sisu to mean resolve, determination – a sense of resilience and courage in the face of difficulty.
The United Nations needs Finland – and its spirit of sisu – to rise to this moment in history.
I thank you for your leadership and commitment.
Kiitos ja onnea! [“Thank you and congratulations!”]