Tuomioja says that the conference, which is aimed at drafting a multilateral treaty to regulate arms trade, is facing a serious challenge. The minister has written on his homepage that tangible results are needed.

“Will the 19 days (and nights?) reserved for the conference be enough to get a treaty with a wide scope, strong criteria for licensing and which could be ratified by as many countries as possible including Russia, China, India, United States?” Tuomioja ponders.

He notes that the negotiation process enjoys support from a broad base of nations, especially in Africa and Central America.

He emphasises the importance of stricter control over legal arms trade to the promotion of human rights.

Two days of meetings

Apart from speaking on Finland’s behalf at the conference, Tuomioja will meet with representatives of the other countries behind the push for the treaty: Argentina, Australia, Costa Rica, Japan, Kenya and the UK. Their meeting will aim to advance treaty negotiations.

During his two-day visit to New York, Tuomioja will also attend the UN Economic and Social Council's (ECOSOC) High-Level Segment Ministerial Roundtable.

Additionally, Tuomioja will meet with representatives of African and Central and South American states to discuss the Arms Trade Treaty and other issues, including sustainable development and climate change.