National Statement of Finland at the First Committee, General Debate
Read the National Statement of Finland delivered by Mr. Teemu Sepponen, Director for Arms Control, Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, First Committee, General Debate on October 8, 2026.
Mr Chair,
Congratulations on your election. You have my delegation’s full support.
Finland fully aligns itself with the statements by the EU and the Nordic countries.
I will add the following remarks in national capacity.
At the UN General Debate, President Alexander Stubb spoke of a choice between cooperation and conflict. He urged us to uphold international law, strengthen trust and listen to one another, including when our views differ. These are practical tasks also for the First Committee.
Arms control agreements must be respected and implemented. Yet agreements cannot do all the work on their own. Transparency, dialogue and effective verification help States understand one another’s intentions and reduce the risk of miscalculation. We must preserve channels for such work even when trust is scarce.
Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine is a grave violation of international law and has profoundly damaged European and global security. Finland supports Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in accordance with the UN Charter. We condemn Russia’s nuclear threats and any use of chemical weapons. Accountability and full compliance with international obligations are essential.
Mr Chair,
The NPT remains indispensable to nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation and the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. The lack of consensus at the Review Conference cannot excuse inaction. States possessing nuclear weapons bear a particular responsibility to pursue their disarmament obligations, reduce nuclear risks, increase transparency and engage in dialogue.
These efforts must include both strategic and non-strategic nuclear weapons.
International security also requires practical measures that improve transparency regarding ballistic missiles. The Hague Code of Conduct is an essential instrument in this regard. Its notifications and information exchange help reduce uncertainty at a time when predictability is in short supply. We encourage all countries to adhere to the HCoC.
The peaceful use of nuclear energy is another part of the NPT’s promise. It requires strong safeguards, nuclear safety and a credible answer to what happens to spent fuel. Finland has invested in each of these over decades. We strongly support the IAEA independent safeguards and verification work.
At the repository named Onkalo, Finland will be the first country in the world to carry out the final disposal of highly active spent nuclear fuel. The fuel comes from Finland’s own power plants. It is deposited in Finland’s own bedrock. This is the result of sustained technical work, clear responsibilities, independent regulation and engagement with local communities, in an effort that began in the 1980’s. We are ready to discuss with our international partners on responsible civilian power and on the fact that responsible use of nuclear energy includes responsibility for its waste.
Mr Chair,
Emerging technologies offer significant opportunities, but they also require early action and broad cooperation to manage risks. During the high-level week, President Stubb and Norway’s Prime Minister Støre, together with what currently is 27 other nations and the European Commission, called for international cooperation to ensure that frontier AI models remain under human direction, oversight and control. They invited companies, governments, regional organisations and the UN to develop ways to manage the risks.
While the exact arrangements remain to be defined, the implications of rapidly advancing technologies for international security require serious and inclusive discussion. We want to hear from States with different perspectives and different capacities. Effective international cooperation must both address risks and enable all countries to benefit from AI.
Within the First Committee’s mandate, Finland supports work on the responsible military use of AI. We welcome progress in the GGE on lethal autonomous weapons systems and support ambitious further work within the CCW. Human responsibility and accountability must remain central to decisions on the use of force. These principles are also essential to ensuring that we can respond effectively and legitimately to emerging AI-enabled threats.
The CWC and the BTWC remain essential. Finland supports their effective implementation and stronger ability to investigate alleged use. Finland’s national expertise in chemical verification and in biological preparedness can contribute to international cooperation.
Mr Chair,
For many communities around the world, the most immediate consequences of armed conflict come from conventional weapons and explosive hazards. Finland supports the ATT and action against illicit trafficking in small arms and light weapons. We contribute to practical international work on weapons and ammunition management, including through the UN. This work matters especially to those affected by armed violence, including in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. It deserves sustained attention, resources and partnership with the countries concerned.
Finland also contributes significantly to humanitarian mine action: clearance, risk education and assistance that enable people to return home, cultivate land and rebuild their lives. Our current funding focuses particularly on Ukraine, Syria and Palestine, with 12 million euros earmarked for 2026-2029.
Women, youth, persons with disabilities and civil society actors bring expertise that arms control processes need. Finland supports their full, equal and meaningful participation, including in this Committee.
Mr Chair,
Finland wants the UN to succeed and will remain strongly engaged in its work. Therefore, we are standing for election to the Security Council for the term 2029-2030.
Trust is built through conduct. States build it when they fulfil their obligations, provide information, allow verification and maintain a dialogue. Finland will continue to do its part: defending the rules, contributing practical expertise and working with partners across regions.
Thank you.