Finnish President Alexander Stubb expressed concern Tuesday over the growing number of armed conflicts worldwide and urged countries to strengthen international cooperation and multilateralism.
Speaking at the UN General Assembly in New York, Stubb said global cooperation was being weakened by declining trust and a failure to respect international rules.
He pointed to reports indicating that there are currently 65 active armed conflicts worldwide, the highest number recorded since the end of the Cold War.
Stubb warned that increasing competition could undermine the rules supporting the international system and potentially contribute to further conflict.
He said respecting fundamental rules, values and international institutions remains important for preventing disputes from escalating and creating conditions for greater cooperation.
The Finnish president called on all countries to remain committed to multilateralism, saying international cooperation is necessary to address shared challenges such as armed conflicts, climate change, sustainable development and artificial intelligence.
However, he warned that the world appeared to be moving toward a less cooperative and increasingly multipolar international order.
Stubb also highlighted continuing violence and humanitarian crises in several parts of the world. He pointed to Sudan’s devastating war, Haiti’s armed violence and exposure to extreme weather, and the humanitarian emergency in Gaza.
He said the situation in Gaza includes widespread displacement, damaged infrastructure and shortages of essential services.
Stubb urged the international community not to become indifferent to wars and human suffering, calling for greater efforts to prevent conflicts, protect human rights and support sustainable economic development.
NEWS DESK
PRESS UPDATE