Finland and Australia: Middle powers must defend the UN system, not stand by
The foreign ministers of Finland and Australia are calling for UN reform and a stronger Security Council as both countries seek non-permanent Council seats for 2029–30. They warn that Council paralysis and violations of international law are threatening global stability.
In a joint opinion piece, Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong argue against abandoning the United Nations despite its flaws, saying the world would be more dangerous and poorer without it.
Challenges outlined
The ministers note the world is currently experiencing its most violent conflicts since World War II, with civilians bearing the brunt. In 2025, the highest number of grave violations against children in conflict was recorded in 30 years, while more than 1,000 aid workers have been killed in the past three years. The piece highlights that Russia, a permanent member of the UN Security Council, continues to violate the UN Charter through its war on Ukraine, and points to serious violations of international law in the Middle East, Sudan and elsewhere.
Calls for reform and concrete steps
The ministers say the Security Council is too often paralyzed by major-power dynamics and fails to respond adequately to crises. They call for the Council to do better at preventing conflicts, addressing new forms of coercion, and adapting to new threats including cyberattacks, artificial intelligence and disinformation.
Australia has already spearheaded a new declaration for the protection of humanitarian personnel, backed by 130 countries, while Finland has invested in strengthening the UN's mediation capacity in peace processes. Both countries are seeking non-permanent Security Council seats for 2029–30, stressing the responsibility of small and middle powers in making the system work.
