Finland on the road to making the right choices
As we consider Finland’s importance in the changing world, it is perhaps useful first to remind ourselves of all the good things we have. I would assert that Finland is one of the countries to have achieved most success following the Second World War and we have emerged from the shadow of the heavy burden of war into success.
How come? The recipe is really quite simple. At its core has been the essence of Finnishness, our values and our attitudes, our spirit and our will, the guts to drive forwards together. This is the phenomenon that I want to support and nurture. Finland is a country where wonders happen, particularly during those periods when times are hard. That time is now, as indebted western nations suffer from the mistakes made in earlier years. It’s time for change.
It is important to remember that the world order currently taking shape is being shaped above all by the economy. The rise of developing economies does not, however, stop at economic success, with it comes influence as well. It’s still the case that ‘money talks’. The change is perhaps even more influential than we have believed it to be.
Finland’s task is naturally to remain part of this change and to provide every citizen the best possible conditions for life in our own country. Flexibility, that rapid responsiveness to changing situations, is one competence and it is a competence we possess. This has been witnessed now in trade for example, where Finnish industrial export has been successful on the markets of the highly developed countries.
We can also be a pioneer, as we are now with other Nordic countries. Social stability will become ever more important as a source of success. It is a competitive factor, but it is also an exportable product - a model for a changing world. It naturally also includes Finland’s capabilities to act as an intermediary in conflict resolution.
When Finland is alert and making good choices, then our success is guaranteed in the future as well as the present. I believe that the president is a valuable aid and has great influence in the changing world. That is the work I want to be involved in, serving the common good.
