Foreign Minister Valtonen to launch Finland’s campaign for a seat on the UN Security Council and address the Council

Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen will visit New York on 7–9 June and launch Finland’s campaign for a seat on the UN Security Council on 8 June. Minister Valtonen will also deliver a speech at the UN Security Council’s Ukraine session and lead the Finnish delegation to the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities on 9 June.

Finland is seeking a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for 2029–2030. Finland’s campaign will be launched in New York on 8 June under the leadership of Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen. The campaign will run two years, concluding with the elections in New York in June 2028.

“There is a great need for global cooperation and the defence of international law. Finland is seeking a seat on the Security Council to defend the rules-based system, strengthen its international position and build partnerships. We have the expertise and the will to build lasting peace for everyone,” says Minister for Foreign Affairs Valtonen.

The UN Security Council is the world’s most important decision-making body addressing matters related to peace and security. Finland is seeking a non-permanent seat on the Security Council to take responsibility for the UN’s core task of maintaining international peace and security and to advance a foreign policy that is in line with Finland’s values and interests. The candidacy for the Security Council demonstrates Finland’s strong commitment to international law and the multilateral system.

Finland has held a seat on the Security Council twice before, in 1969–1970 and 1989–1990.

The Security Council is an important forum for discussions on achieving just and lasting peace in Ukraine. On Monday 8 June, Foreign Minister Valtonen will deliver a joint Nordic statement at the Security Council’s monthly Ukraine session, recalling that the Security Council’s task is not only to manage conflicts but also to safeguard peace.

Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

Minister for Foreign Affairs Valtonen will lead the Finnish delegation at the 19th Session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities which opens on 9 June. The delegation consists of representatives from several ministries and disability organisations.

“Inclusion is a fundamental requirement for advancing sustainable solutions to challenges in human rights, sustainable development, and peace and security. The participation of persons with disabilities is essential for building a safer and more equal world,” says Minister for Foreign Affairs Valtonen.

The Conference of States Parties (COSP) is the leading annual international forum on the rights of persons with disabilities.

During her visit, Foreign Minister Valtonen will also attend a discussion on quantum technology and meet representatives of two hospitals together with Finnish health technology businesses.