Finland’s National Statement at the UN-Women Executive Board meeting

Delivered by Permanent Representative of Finland to the UN, Ambassador Elina Kalkku on June 23rd, 2026, in New York.

Madam Executive Director,

First of all, Finland wishes to express sincere appreciation for the important work of the UN Women. The Annual Report you presented tells a powerful story of three years of sustained engagement in 109 countries, reaching 4 billion women and girls.

We also recognize the commitment of Member States, whose continued dedication remains essential to drive gender equality forward.

We meet at a time of multiple crises worldwide. Conflicts persist and inequalities deepen. At the very moment when the need is greatest, we see gender equality often deliberately reframed — not as a universal human right, but sometimes as a political tool, or even a geopolitical bargaining chip.

In this landscape, UN Women’s mandate carries exceptional urgency. Finland highly values UN Women’s triple mandate, because it brings global standards to local realities and also promotes coherence across the whole multilateral system.

The global situation underscores the importance of how the UN system delivers. We reiterate our support for the UN80 initiative’s objective of a more efficient and coherent UN that produces quality results for people all over the world.

It is imperative to strengthen the UN’s ability to advance gender equality, empowerment of women and girls and the SRHRs everywhere, despite the current challenging circumstances.

We thank the Executive Directors of UNWomen and UNFPA for their letter to Member States, on the further elaboration and refinement of a set of complementary alternative options, intended to strengthen coherence, operational alignment, accountability and delivery impact, within existing institutional frameworks. This is a very important letter. Under current difficult circumstances, it is crucial to examine the options carefully, so that Member States will be able to choose a good direction for the coming years.

Predictable and flexible funding also remains critical. Investing in gender equality is foundational to peace, resilience, and sustainable development.

Finally, Finland highlights the importance of further strengthening disability inclusion across all areas of UN Women’s mandate. This is particularly critical in conflict and crisis settings, where women and girls with disabilities face compounded risks and barriers to protection and participation.

Together, we must ensure that no woman or girl is left behind—and that every one of them can thrive.

Thank you.