Tarja Halonen

Was Finland’s first female President, retiring from service in 2012. With a long and distinguished political career founded on strong support for social justice and equality, she remains a leading global advocate for climate justice and sustainable development. She has served as a UNCCD Ambassador since 2014.

Sustainable development, poverty eradication and the empowerment of women are very close to my heart. The work of the UNCCD focusing on the promotion of sustainable land management and agriculture, and soil protection, are central tools for tackling poverty. I intend to promote sustainable land management at all levels, and its inclusion in the sustainable development goals and the post-2015 Development Agenda. This is crucial for effective poverty eradication.