MFA: Finland in lead role in negotiating the Ministerial Declaration of the UN High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development on 6–15 July

Finland's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jukka Salovaara together with the Permanent Representative of Iraq to the UN are co-facilitating the consultation process leading to the adoption of the Ministerial Declaration. In the important role of co-facilitator, Finland aims to ensure that the Ministerial Declaration will bring added value to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

At the meeting, Finland will emphasise the core idea of the 2030 Agenda, that is, no one should be left behind.

“The pandemic has increased extreme poverty and inequality and weakened gender equality. In the post-pandemic world, Finland and other wealthy countries must support the most disadvantaged worldwide,” Minister Skinnari says.

In an international sustainable development comparison, published on 14 June, Finland was ranked number one for the first time. In Finland’s address, Minister Skinnari will refer to the Nordic welfare model and, as an example, tell about school meals that Finland is trying to promote globally. Minister Skinnari is the World Food Programme (WFP) School Meals Ambassador.

“School meals have proved to be one of the most effective means to support children. They are increasingly recognised as an investment in a nation’s future also in countries worldwide. Finland has provided free school meals for all children for over 70 years as a means to support their learning, dietary habits and overall health. There is demand for Finnish expertise, which is why Finland and the World Food Programme will build a coalition to support school feeding worldwide. The aim is that by 2030, all children will have access to a healthy meal at school.”

In addition to the official programme, dozens of side events will be organised. Finland's side event will be related to the evaluation of 2030 Agenda actions. Evaluating the plans, measures and results will help in giving as effective and appropriate guidance to policy and funding as possible. In addition to Finland, Costa Rica and Nigeria will present their evaluations at the event.

The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health together with the World Health Organization (WHO) will organise an unofficial side event on wellbeing economy, which will be opened by Ministry of Social Affairs and Health Hanna Sarkkinen. The concept of wellbeing economy is one approach through which societies can contribute to the achievement of the SDGs.

The thematic reviews at this year’s HLPF will focus on the following SDGs: 1 (No Poverty), 2 (Zero Hunger), 3 (Good Health and Well-being), 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), 10 (Reduced Inequalities), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), 13 (Climate Action), 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

The follow-up meeting is organised virtually, except for the in-person opening and closing sessions.

Inquiries:

Kirsi Airio, Special Adviser to Minister Skinnari, tel. +358 50 574 1729, Ministry for Foreign Affairs

Helena Silvonen, First Secretary, tel. +358 295 351 134, Unit for Sustainable Development and Climate Policy, Ministry for Foreign Affairs