Finland has made commitments to promote democracy and rule of law

Finland has made commitments in support of strengthening democracy, promoting respect for human rights, fighting corruption and advancing gender equality as part of the international Summit for Democracy.

The Summit for Democracy was first organised on the United States’ initiative in December 2021, and the next Summit is scheduled for early 2023.

The main themes of the Summit for Democracy were strengthening democracy and defending against authoritarianism, fighting corruption, and promoting respect for human rights. A delegation from Finland, headed by President of the Republic Sauli Niinistö, attended the 2021 Summit.

Finland made written commitments to promote democracy and the rule of law. The Finnish commitments are based on our long-standing action on democracy and the rule of law. 
Finland is committed to promoting democracy and the rule of law at the global level and is working towards democratic renewal at the national level by focusing on developing new ways of participating in society, for example. 

We are promoting respect for human rights. We are defending and strengthening of the international rules-based system and multilateral cooperation. We are actively involved in the fight against corruption through both the EU and other international organisations.

Finland is striving to strengthen digital equality at the national and international level. We are working to bridge digital divides and we are promoting equal access to internet globally through UN bodies and international organisations. We will pay particular attention to advancing the participation of women and girls in digital development.

The Summit for Democracy launched a Year of Action for strengthening democracy, human rights and the fight against corruption and for implementing the commitments. Finland, too, will be active in implementing its commitments together with key stakeholders. 

Finland will participate in the thematic work on gender equality, technology, fight against corruption, and the rule of law in accordance with its priorities in foreign and security policy and development policy. Progress made during the Year of Action will be reviewed in the second Summit to be held in the first half of 2023. 

In addition to states, dozens of democracy organisations will be involved in the Summit process. They are working through the Global Democracy Coalition Forum, which coordinated by International IDEA.

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