We Finns represent a very transparent and open-minded way of reaching political decisions. Harri Holkeri More Quotes by Harri Holkeri More Quotes From Harri Holkeri In Finland we have equal political rights for women and men. We do not regard ourselves according to sex. Harri Holkeri rights men sex If you come to a negotiation table saying you have the final truth, that you know nothing but the truth and that is final, you will get nothing. Harri Holkeri finals tables inspirational Without rebuilding the confidence between parties, you will never succeed. Harri Holkeri rebuilding succeed party Men and women have roles - their roles are different, but their rights are equal. Harri Holkeri different rights men If we go back in the history of different nations, violence and the use of force are part of their heritage. These are the traditions of mankind. Harri Holkeri heritage different use Discussion is just a tool. You have to aim; the final goal must be a decision. Harri Holkeri finals decision goal That is where consensus-building begins-with the idea that you have your own truth, but that the negotiator on the other side of the table has his own truth as well. Harri Holkeri consensus-building tables ideas There are many challenges, there are many obstacles; let us try to change the obstacles to advantages. Harri Holkeri obstacles challenges trying What we can do as individuals may not be very much on the global scale, but we have to start the change by living as we are teaching. Harri Holkeri individual teaching may When the problems in Northern Ireland started, it was not a question of Protestantism or Catholicism, because the Catholic church was the only church at that time-it was a nationalist conflict. Harri Holkeri catholic church problem One of the biggest development issues in the world is the education of girls. In the United States and Europe, it has been accepted, but not in Africa and the developing countries. Harri Holkeri girl europe country When my first child was born in 1962, I wrote a letter to my grandfather telling him how happy I was but how concerned; concerned because there were so many visions which were not very good. Harri Holkeri vision grandfather children There are big issues, like the reform of the Security Council. These kinds of questions are something the President of the General Assembly must keep his eye on. Harri Holkeri issues eye president The Baltic Sea is becoming more and more polluted. Not everybody living near the shore of the Baltic Sea is protecting it. It is the water of life for countries like Finland and Sweden. Harri Holkeri water-of-life sea country I really do hope that the Millennium Summit gives new impetus to the work of the United Nations. Harri Holkeri millennium united-nations giving Finland had a civil war less than 100 years ago, just like in Ireland. If you look at the history of newly independent nations, civil war is almost every time present, even in the United States. Harri Holkeri independent war years I do not want to speak about overpopulation or birth control, but I think education is the way to give new impetus to the poverty question. Harri Holkeri talking giving thinking I recently reread an article of mine written in 1964, and I think it is still valid. There is not much difference. Many of the items on the agenda 37 years ago are still there. Harri Holkeri differences years thinking I think I can regard myself as a political decision-maker. Harri Holkeri political decision thinking If there is something I would like to do as President of the General Assembly, it is to place more emphasis on the issue of education, which enables a better life for women. Harri Holkeri better-life issues president
