Archive · 23 Sep 2026
Finland’s Stubb Quotes Gandhi, Urges Defense of International Law
Finnish President Alexander Stubb spoke to world leaders at the United Nations.
He said countries must follow international rules.
He quoted Mahatma Gandhi about how breaking one rule can lead to breaking more rules.
Stubb said the world is facing wars, tensions and divisions.
He warned that powerful countries should not simply force their wishes on weaker ones.
He said smaller and middle-sized countries especially need international law for protection.
Stubb called for respect for sovereignty and national borders.
He said countries must choose cooperation instead of conflict.
He connected his message to his recent visit to India and Gandhi’s legacy.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb urged countries to uphold international law during a United Nations address.
Stubb quoted Mahatma Gandhi, saying that breaking one rule inevitably leads to breaking others.
He warned that global politics was increasingly being shaped by power and narrow national interests.
Stubb emphasized sovereignty, territorial integrity and freedom of navigation as core principles.
He framed the world’s choice as cooperation or conflict and linked his message to his recent India visit.
- Who
- Finnish President Alexander Stubb, addressing world leaders and referring to Mahatma Gandhi’s words.
- What
- Stubb called for countries to uphold international law, cooperate and resist power-driven politics.
- When
- During the opening of the United Nations General Assembly’s 81st session, on Tuesday.
- Where
- New York, during the United Nations General Assembly’s high-level debate.
- Why
- He said wars, geopolitical tensions, divisions and growing pressure on the international system were weakening shared rules.
- Speaker
- Finnish President Alexander Stubb
- Event
- Opening of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly
- Location
- New York
- Central message
- Countries should defend international law and choose cooperation over conflict.
- Gandhi quotation
- “The breach of one rule inevitably leads to the breach of other rules.”
- Principles cited
- Sovereignty, territorial integrity and freedom of navigation
- Related visit
- Stubb referred to his recent visit to India, where he also paid tribute at Rajghat.