Annual Dinner for the Diplomatic Corps, Finland

President Alexander Stubb addressing the annual dinner for heads of diplomatic missions accredited to Helsinki at the Presidential Palace on Friday 8 May 2026.

“You represent more than a hundred countries. Some of your nations are allies, some partners. Some rivals or even adversaries. Yet your task as diplomats is to turn competition into cooperation. To build bridges where others see barriers. To negotiate rather than argue. To fix what is broken. You don’t only represent your governments. You represent the very idea of cooperation.

Wouldn’t it be great if we could start the biggest global renovation project right here, in Helsinki? I’m a pragmatic optimist. I believe things can change for the better. But only if we get to work together.”

Location: Presidential Palace, Helsinki Finland
Date: 08/05/2026
Hosts: Office of the President of the Republic of Finland