14 February 2012: UN Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro addressed the “Helsinki Process+10” (HP+10) Conference and emphasized the importance of stakeholder participation and cooperation, the UN’s legitimacy due to its universality, and the necessary steps to move toward fairer international economic governance.

The Conference, held on 13-14 February 2012, in Helsinki, Finland, was organized by the Governments of Finland and Tanzania to mark the 10th anniversary of the launch of the Helsinki Process on Globalization and Democracy, a joint initiative of the two countries. Migiro noted that she had co-chaired the Helsinki Process on Globalization and Democracy.

Speaking at the HP+10 Conference, Migiro emphasized that the original goal of the Helsinki Process, to involve a broad spectrum of stakeholders and promote multi-stakeholder cooperation, remains crucial. She stressed that its importance was recognized in the 2008 final report of the Helsinki Process, which also saw the UN as a “major force” in realizing it.

Migiro noted that, currently, it is important to ensure the inclusion of women and youth, particularly with respect to sustainable development. She underscored that the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD, or Rio+20) will bring together all the partners needed “for collective success.” She added that the Finnish meeting offered a platform to “contribute fresh ideas” on how the Rio+20 Conference “can help usher in the future we want.” [Statement of Deputy Secretary-General] [Webpage of Helsinki Process+10]