H.E. Mr. Alexander Stubb, President of the Republic of Finland, visited the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) on 14th May 2025 for a high-level meeting with the leadership of UNON, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat).
Hosted at the UN Gigiri Complex, the visit provided an opportunity for meaningful dialogue on the future of the United Nations, the role of the UN system in Nairobi, and the impact of shifting geopolitical dynamics on multilateral cooperation.
In remarks delivered during the visit, President Stubb emphasized the growing influence of the Global South, stating:
“My thesis is that the Global South will determine the direction of the world order. In a world in turmoil, it has an opportunity to leverage its influence.”
The President also underscored the importance of strengthening multilateralism and reforming the UN to better respond to contemporary challenges.
“The UN lays the foundations of an order governed by rules, instead of might. But the UN's institutions are in need of reform,” he said, adding that the goal should be not just a leaner UN, but a stronger one.
Executive Director of UNEP, Inger Andersen, and Executive Director of UN-Habitat, Anacláudia Rossbach, joined the meeting, alongside the Director-General of UNON, Zainab Hawa Bangura. Discussions focused on the pivotal role of UNON as the only UN headquarters in the Global South and its contributions to advancing sustainable development, environmental protection, and inclusive urbanization.
President Stubb's visit reflects Finland’s strong support for the United Nations and multilateralism, particularly at a time when global cooperation is critical for addressing complex, interconnected challenges.
The United Nations Office at Nairobi is honoured to have hosted President Stubb and remains committed to strengthening partnerships that support peace, sustainability, and inclusive development worldwide.
