Tarja Halonen
President, Finland, 2000 - present

She became the first female head of state in the Republic of Finland in 2000 and was re-elected in 2006. Tarja Halonen has paid close attention to issues of human rights, democracy and civil society. Issues concerning social justice and promotion of equality have been central themes throughout her political career. Tarja Halonen has served as co-chair of World Commission on the Social Dimension of Globalization, appointed by International Labour Organization ILO, from 2002 to 2004. During her presidency, she has held honorary positions in the following institutions: Oslo Center for Peace and Human Rights, member of the boards, 2006; Member of the “Panel of Eminent Persons” of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD, 2005-2006; World Commission on the Social Dimension of Globalization (ILO), Co-Chair, 2002-2004.