Finland continues strengthening the mediation capacity of international actors
– first and foremost within the UN and the EU. Sufficient prerequisites will
be guaranteed for Finland’s increasingly effective and prompt support to or
participation in mediation, and the facilitation thereof, and in national dialogue
processes as well as in providing advice and support to the rule of law through
development cooperation appropriations.
When it comes to the proper utilisation of mediation Finland’s own expertise
and local knowledge is important in detecting weak signals and in identifying
local actors. Close networking with the actors of civil society supports the
flexibility which is required by mediation.
5.14 Strengthening rules-based action
Finland fosters the core values of the UN Charter and the principles of
intergovernmental interaction. Together with different countries and country
groupings Finland works to enhance the effectiveness and influence of
international organisations.
Being a country that relies on foreign trade Finland finds it important to
strengthen the multilateral trade regime. Strengthening and developing
the rules-based system also supports Finland’s development policy goals
to integrate the developing countries into the international trade and value
chains. This development must take into account the manner in which trade is
developing. Finland supports a successful outcome in the negotiations for fair,
equal and sustainable trade and an investment agreement between the EU
and the United States, i.e. the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership
(TTIP).
Finland wants to improve the capacity of international organisations to also
tackle new global challenges, such as cyber issues. Finland underscores
the importance of arms control in strengthening predictability and stability.
Finland taps into its time-honoured expertise in projects associated with arms
control and disarmament, and in new challenges. Through policy and export
control Finland promotes the prevention of proliferation of weapons of mass
destruction as well as associated hazardous materials and know-how, and the
illicit arms trade. Finland supports the status of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation
Treaty in nuclear disarmament. Finland strengthens the monitoring of fissile
material and nuclear safety, and monitors the effect of the development of
weapon technology vis-à-vis national and international security.
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