Season’s Greetings from our CEO Janne Taalas: “Despite the difficult times, there are also glimmers of hope”
Photo: Maria Santto / CMI
Dear friends of CMI,
The year 2022 began with hope that the worst days of Covid pandemic might be behind us. But very soon the world was hit by a new shockwave. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the energy and food crises that followed have fueled global turmoil.
The war in Ukraine reinforces global trends that make peacemaking increasingly more difficult. The conflict paradigm is shifting from intra-state to inter-state conflicts. Also, everything from finance to food is being weaponised. These developments challenge current peacemaking strategies. Peacemakers need innovative thinking to adapt to this new reality, and CMI wants to be at the forefront of shaping the future of peacemaking.
CMI colleagues have done exceptional work in adjusting their work in changing circumstances. I thank colleagues for their high level of commitment and dedication that has been put into every opportunity. The demand for our work has continued to grow. We have again received a record-breaking number of requests.
Despite the difficult times, there are also glimmers of hope. For instance, the ceasefire agreement between Ethiopian government and Tigrayan forces shows that peace is possible. The same hope must kept alive also in other conflict regions.
Our work would not have been possible without the support of CMI’s three programme partners, Finland, Sweden, and Ireland and other public and private partners and individuals around the world. To secure the legacy and continuity of the peace mediation work established by President Ahtisaari CMI has initiated a Peace Fund. I also would like to take this opportunity to thank our implementing partners at the EU, AU, UN and OSCE and other important partners.
As our founder President Martti Ahtisaari has said, no person or country can resolve major conflicts alone. It requires cooperation.
I wish you a peaceful holiday season and all the best for 2023!
Janne Taalas
CEO, CMI – Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation