Current affairs

Trade is an important part of the implementing framework in advancing transition to Circular Economy. As a consequence of the shock caused by the pandemic, several governments, inter-governmental organizations and other stakeholder have called for rebuilding the economy in a sustainable manner that advances transition to Circular Economy and contributes to the sustainable development.

We interviewed Ms Catalina Devandas, the Special Rapporteur of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities of the Human Rights Council during a luncheon that Finland organizes yearly to discuss current topics related to the human rights of persons living with disabilities. This year’s meeting focused on how to guarantee a disability-inclusive response to COVID-19.

After a very successful kick-start to the discussion on post-COVID-19 recovery in May, the Permanent Mission of Finland to Geneva organized a second webinar on the topic on Tuesday, June 9th 2020. With over 100 registered participants, the event  focused on the nexus between trade policy and finance policy and how aligning the two would contribute to sustainable recovery after the crisis. While the acute crisis caused by the coronavirus is still ongoing, countries are gradually starting to plan their exit strategies. The recovery planning is tied to the questions on how to finance the recovery and how to direct the stimulus packages to benefit the society in the best possible way.

The unexpected outbreak of global pandemic caused by coronavirus has changed daily lives and put unpreceded pressure on societies around the world. As trade plays a key role in economic development and as an engine for achieving the sustainable development goals (SDGs), it will be a key for recovery. The ongoing crisis serves as a chance to reform economies, to create a more resilient and sustainable future and accelerate transition to low-carbon Circular Economy.

Our internship abroad at the Permanent Mission during the COVID-19 pandemic gave us a truly unique and valuable experience of working during a crisis situation. We learnt a great deal about crisis management and were able to experience the work of UN agencies during a crisis from “front row seats”. In such challenging times, cooperation and solidarity is more important than ever.

The recent ILO Centenary Declaration for the Future of Work states that persistent poverty, inequalities and injustices, conflict, disasters and other humanitarian emergencies in many parts of the world constitute a threat to decent work for all.

The pandemic has put the governance systems of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and World Health Organization (WHO) under stress but has also accentuated the enormous importance of their work directing global health and protecting labour rights and work-related issues. 

Skills, re-skilling and lifelong learning are some of the most popular topics in today’s work-life discussion, both nationally and internationally. The subject covers interests in raising the employment rate and preparing for the future transformations of work among others.

During the 33rd International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent in Geneva, Finland, together with Australia, Finnish Red Cross, ICRC, IFRC and the International Disability Alliance (IDA), organized a side-event on Disability Partnerships.