The United Nations

The United Nations (UN) is the most central channel of multilateral cooperation for Finland. As a Member State of the UN, Finland is committed to participating in the maintenance of international peace and security and in a peaceful resolution of conflicts.

Commitment entails cooperation aiming at the resolution of economic, social, cultural and humanitarian problems and work to promote human rights and to develop international law. In accordance with the concept of comprehensive security, all these principles support international peace and stability.

Finland joined the UN in 1955 and, over the years, has played a more important role in the world organisation than its size would suggest. Finland has participated in the UN's peacekeeping operations starting from the late 1950s and is called a great power in peacekeeping.

In addition, Finland has taken an active part in other activities in the UN, including development of international law, disarmament diplomacy and multilateral development cooperation. Human rights policy is a key element of Finland’s activities in the UN.

The UN's role among international crisis management actors is central. Finland will support the UN also in the future by means of participating in operations led and authorised by it. Finland supports the development of the UN's peacekeeping operations also by means of training.

Finland is seeking a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for 2029–2030. 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.

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