Finland's Harri Holkeri searches for common ground among 189 nations. Holkeri was Finland's Prime Minister from 1987 to 1991, and for more than four decades has served his country and the international community in several political and economic posts. Holkeri's most challenging task as President, he said, is to find common ground for 189 UN member states whose priorities, intentions and commitment to the organization vary in all degrees. Holkeri's main roles are to chair the GA plenary and to maintain close and regular dialogue with its six main committees, which deal with issues ranging from security and disarmament to budget, decolonization and humanitarian concerns.
Committees are crucial.
Holkeri stressed the integral role of civil society in international affairs. I believe that the significance and relevance of the UN in the future will depend on our ability to involve civil society in our work. It has played a pivotal role in setting our global agenda. We must let its members also participate, as our valued partners, in its implementation. Holkeri stressed the importance of narrowing the gap between the rich and the poor nations so that the benefits of globalization can be shared in a more equitable way.