Finland’s development policy received support in the UN
Press release 243/2008
4 July, 2008
Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Paavo Väyrynen participated in the annual high-level meeting of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in New York on 3 July, late in the evening Finnish time. In his address, the minister presented the National Voluntary Report on Finland’s development policy which had been compiled for the meeting. Minister Väyrynen’s statement focused particularly on the importance of sustainable development in poverty reduction.
“The present economic model of the industrialised countries is not ecologically sustainable, yet many emerging developing countries are following the same path of economic development. In both developed and developing countries, profound changes are needed in the patterns of production, consumption and living so that we can find a more sustainable way for creating prosperity and well-being,” the minister stressed.
The Finnish address sparked lively discussion among the Member countries. Finland’s development policy received wide support. In particular, the link between poverty reduction and sustainable development, and activities in sectors where Finland has long traditions of extensive expertise, were raised to the fore. Appeals were also presented that commitments to increase development appropriations would be fulfilled.
Additional information: Director General Ritva Koukku-Ronde, mobile tel. +358 40 830 4868, and Päivi Nevala, Adviser to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development, mobile tel. +358 40 753 4375