Press release 63/2014
18.3.2014
“In the long term, citizens’ confidence in the State will be increased by the fact that the State looks after their basic needs, offers means of livelihood, justice and security. This for its part will also prevent the rise of an environment favourable to conflicts,” the Development Minister states.
The work is guided by the publication Guidelines for Finland’s development policy and development cooperation in fragile states, released on 18 March. The aim is that Finland will be able to respond better to the challenges posed by fragile states as an operating environment. Attention will be paid, for example, to better risk management as well as to measures that can minimize risks while at the same time maximizing the possibility of achieving the desired results.
Conflict prevention is also a key priority for Finland. It must be possible both to recognize the signs of fragility in good time, and they must bring about a quick reaction. Special attention is paid to the role of civil society in developing fragile states.
Finland also promotes the development of fragile states through international networks. Development Minister Haavisto is currently co-chair of the forum International Dialogue on Peacebuilding and Statebuilding (IDPS). The network brings together fragile states, donors and civil society actors.
Additional information: Adviser Tanja Viikki, Unit for Sectoral Policy, tel. +358 295 351804, and Milma Kettunen, Press Attaché to the Minister for International Development, mobile tel. +358 40 522 9869