BIO
Ms. Tarja Halonen served as President of Finland from 2000 to 2012. Prior to her election, she held the office of Minister of Social Affairs and Health, Minister of Justice, and Minister for Foreign Affairs.
During her career, Ms. Halonen has paid close attention to issues of human rights, democracy, civil society, gender equality and sustainable development. Ms. Halonen continues to work closely with the UN, and is currently a member of UN’s Secretary-General’s High-Level Advisory Board on Mediation, UNCCD Drylands Ambassador, and a member of CTBTO Group of Eminent Persons. Ms. Halonen continues working towards sustainable development in her other roles, such as a member of Sustainable Development Solutions Network’s Leadership Council and the Chairperson of Lancet-SIGHT commission on Peaceful Societies through Health and Gender Equality.