The world is faced with multiple, interlocking and mutually re-enforcing challenges.
Climate change is advancing faster than previously thought, affecting lives and livelihoods around the globe. Rising food and energy prices are being felt everywhere but weigh especially heavily on vulnerable countries.
At such a moment, when international cooperation is badly needed, the pre-existing problems are further exacerbated by Russia’s war in Ukraine. A war that takes place in Europe, but has global consequences. A war that violates the fundamental principles of international law.
How can Finland and South Africa find solutions to common challenges and foster dialogue in a world that is growing more and more divided? How can we jointly strengthen the open international system in an era of heightened geopolitical tensions?
Sauli Niinistö is the 12th President of the Republic of Finland. He was inaugurated on 1 March 2012 and was re-elected for another six-year term in January 2018.
Niinistö was first elected to Parliament in 1987. His many posts and responsibilities while in Parliament included chairing the Constitutional Law Committee. In 1995, he was appointed Minister of Justice and Deputy Prime Minister. Reshuffled to the Ministry of Finance in 1996, he eventually became Finland’s longest-serving Minister of Finance to date.
Niinistö was Chairman of the National Coalition Party from 1994 to 2001 and Chairman of the European Democrat Union (EDU) from 1998 to 2002.
In 2003, Sauli Niinistö took up the post of Vice President of the European Investment Bank in Luxembourg. He has also been a Member and Chairman of the Board of Governors of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and a Member of the International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC).
Sauli Niinistö returned to the Finnish Parliament in the 2007 election with the highest number of votes ever gained by a candidate. He was Speaker of Parliament from 2007 to 2011.
Please note the invitation is strictly non-transferable. Diplomatic missions can transfer within their mission. Parking is limited on the campus. A shuttle will be provided from the Planetarium parking area to our offices between 09h30 and 10h00.
We look forward to your attendance and participation.