Opening Remarks by Minister Elina Valtonen, Conference on Climate and Security

Opening Remarks by OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland Elina Valtonen, OSCE Chairpersonship Conference on Climate and Safety in Hanaholmen, Espoo 11 June 2025.

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

It is my great privilege and pleasure to welcome you to the OSCE Chairpersonship Conference on Climate and Security - Unleashing the Potential of the Comprehensive Approach.

Unfortunately, I am not able to join you today due to my visit to Central Asia as Chair-in-Office.

The OSCE and its field presence play an important role in strengthening the climate resilience of the countries in the region. The OSCE supports the participating States in identifying climate related risks, developing risk reduction measures, and implementing concrete work on the ground.

The OSCE with its comprehensive security approach is well placed to discuss climate and security from a holistic perspective. This has been highlighted already in the previous two OSCE climate conferences in July 2023 and in June 2024.

Climate emergency as a global challenge requires joint action. Yet, in the OSCE region we find ourselves in troubles that needlessly distract our efforts.

Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has shattered the post Cold-War stability, altering the European security landscape.

The war has caused immeasurable damage to the environment. It has led to large-scale environmental degradation throughout Ukraine and beyond, resulting in biodiversity loss, water degradation, deforestation and pollution further aggravating climate change. The direct and indirect impacts of the war pose risks to the environment, human health, livelihoods and the overall safety and security in the region.

Russia’s war in Ukraine hampers climate change mitigation efforts.

The political tensions resulting from the war have also led to a halt in the political work to shape the role of the OSCE in climate affairs.

As conflicts and wars take centre-stage, the effects of climate change and environmental degradation may fade into the background.

How do we move forward?

First, addressing environmental problems and climate change need to be part of the comprehensive security as these pose threat to global security.

Second, we need strategic foresight, multilateral cooperation, adaptation and a whole-of-society approach for better preparedness and stronger resilience.

Building resilience against climate shocks will provide a buffer against other risks.

Third, we need to address the global challenges together. This is at the core of our Chairpersonship slogan Resilient Together. Responding to shared, complex problems is more effective when governments treat their citizens and each other with respect, involve their citizens in decision-making, and ground their policies in scientific evidence.

Discussing and strategising is necessary, but it must lead to action.

The cost of inaction is massive. In Europe alone, the figures are staggering. It has been estimated that worsening climate impacts could reduce EU GDP by about 7% by the end of the century.

As highlighted by the Global Risks Report 2025 by the World Economic Forum, the burden of climate change is becoming more evident every year.

Finland is doing its part. Minister Multala will elaborate on this further in her remarks.

Dear participants,

The OSCE remains a forum to discuss and address the impacts of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.

Finland's support to Ukraine is unwavering. Finland is committed to supporting Ukraine in monitoring and assessing the environmental damage caused by the war. This work is also conducted by the OSCE.

A just and lasting peace in Ukraine continues to demand our full attention. The Ukrainian people deserve a future in healthy environment. Finland, as well as the Finnish people support Ukraine in its sustainable reconstruction efforts.

Dear all,

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act. This is the year to respect our common legacy, respond to challenges and prepare for the future.

This year also marks the 50th anniversary of Hanaholmen. In 1967, Sweden forgave Finland’s remaining war debt — equivalent of 172 million euros. In return, Finland agreed to create Hanaholmen, a cultural cooperation center to serve as a bridge between our nations.

Hanaholmen serves as a reminder of how far Finland has come - from a war-torn, resource-poor nation on the margins of Europe to an integrated member of the European and transatlantic community.

On this note, I wish you all a fruitful and insightful day!