Sense of security has decreased to 'alarming level' globally: Finnish president

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

GENEVA (AA) - People's sense of security has decreased to an "alarming level" globally, the Finnish president said on Wednesday.

In his speech to the annual UN General Assembly in New York, Sauli Niinisto said that there are over 100 ongoing armed conflicts worldwide and that people in Afghanistan, Sudan and Yemen, and in many other countries continue to face enormous humanitarian needs.

"We should not lose sight of any of these emergencies," Niinisto said. "I call on the Secretary-General (Antonio Guterres) for his vision outlined in the new agenda for peace.”

"We must prioritize diplomacy and make full use of the United Nations," he added.

Highlighting the effects of climate change and biodiversity loss among other challenges, he said: “The past summer was yet again the hottest on record. We have seen devastating foods, growth and wildfires in all parts of the world. We must understand that these are existential questions.”

"New strong commitments to reduce emissions are urgently needed," the president said. "These must be backed by swift and effective action."

Regarding the Russian war on Ukraine, Niinisto said: "The war in Ukraine must not become one of the many protracted conflicts we see around the world today."

He warned that the war has "serious consequences" globally.