'Cooperation or conflict': Stubb's challenge to world at UN assembly
Finnish President Alexander Stubb proposed three "remedies for a world in disorder".
On Tuesday, Finnish President Alexander Stubb addressed the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) gathering in New York City, urging world leaders to prioritize international cooperation over conflict. Stubb officially announced Finland's application for UN Security Council membership for the 2029-2030 term. The General Debate, held from September 22-28, featured nearly 180 heads of state and government delivering their messages to the global community.
Stubb's speech centered on the theme of choice, emphasizing the stark contrast between cooperation and conflict. He recalled his previous address, which suggested foreign policy was shaped by values, interest, and power. This time, Stubb stated that the decision is a simple matter of choosing between cooperation or conflict.
The Finnish president painted a grim picture of the global situation, highlighting the presence of 65 active armed conflicts, a higher number than at any time since the end of the Cold War. He attributed the undermining of cooperation to a lack of trust, disregard for rules, and the weakening of institutions. Conflicts, Stubb argued, are spreading, causing suffering, violence, and injustice.
To address this disorder, Stubb proposed three remedies. First, he advocated for the restoration of the rule of law and humanitarian principles. Second, he called for a renewed focus on ethical language and treating each other with respect. Finally, Stubb suggested reforms to the UN Security Council, recommending at least two additional seats for Asia, two for Africa, and one for Latin America.
He emphasized that no single state should possess veto power, and that any council member violating the UN Charter should have their voting rights suspended.
Stubb also addressed the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, describing it as the most consequential development in human history. He stressed that humans should maintain control over AI, advocating for cooperation as the optimal path forward. To this end, Stubb, along with Finland's Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen and Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio, launched a call for UN member states, companies, governments, and regional organizations to develop AI control mechanisms.
Written by urgent.news from Yle News Finland's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
