Women’s role, Martti Ahtisaari, and a changing landscape — CMI’s 2023 in review
Image: Maria Santto / CMI
Giving the floor to women in peace processes
CMI commenced the year 2023 with a thematic priority: the role of women as political agents in peace processes. The high-level event, hosted in Brussels by CMI in collaboration with the Permanent Representations to the EU of Finland and Denmark, addressed women’s rights, political participation, protest movements, and the use of digital tools in protests. Danish Ambassador Michael Lund Jeppesen emphasized the need to invest in women beyond mere numerical representation.
Ukrainians’ hopes for the future
One year into Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, three CMI partners shared their opinions on what is needed to reach a sustainable peace. The partners were co-founders of Ukraine’s National Platform for Resilience and Social Cohesion, a civic initiative launched in collaboration with CMI that aims to strengthen the national resilience of Ukraine. One co-founder called for a revision of the system of international security, while another hoped for Ukraine to gain EU membership, saying that his country is a major net exporter of security in Europe.
Russia’s invasion one year on – What are Ukrainians’ hopes for the future?
Yemeni parties work to overcome challenges
Despite losing influence to armed groups, political parties continue to play a vital role in seeking a viable peace agreement in Yemen. In May, CMI organized a workshop in Amman, Jordan, where representatives from Yemeni parties reflected on the challenges and opportunities facing political parties, as well as avenues for women’s meaningful participation. To strengthen the role of political parties, the discussants stressed the importance of improving the physical safety of party members and establishing shared principles for dialogue.
Yemeni parties work to build inclusive consensus over political life in Yemen
The EU’s flagship event on peace mediation
The EU Community of Practice on Peace Mediation (CoP) is the EU’s premier peace mediation event. With sessions on Sudan, China, and the Sahel, as well as gender integration in peacemaking, CMI had a significant presence at this year’s event. Martti Ahtisaari’s principles were a recurring topic at the event, with Jusuf Kalla, former vice president of Indonesia, referring to President Ahtisaari while describing the role of a peace mediator: they should be a third person with commitment, situational awareness, and bravery to enter the conflict.
EU Community of Practice discusses peace mediation in a changing environment
Farewell to President Ahtisaari
The past year will above all be remembered by CMI for the passing of its founder, President Martti Ahtisaari, on the 16th of October. To honour his legacy, CMI opened a memory vault, allowing everyone to share memories that ultimately formed a virtual statue that was displayed at Musiikkitalo in Helsinki until the President’s state funeral on November 10. The relatives of President Ahtisaari hope that citizens, businesses, and organizations would remember him by donating to CMI’s Peace Fund. CMI remains determined to secure President Ahtisaari’s life’s work and legacy.
In Memoriam: Martti Ahtisaari 1937–2023
Securing CMI’s work with the Peace Fund
The Peace Fund aims to raise €30 million to safeguard CMI’s peace mediation work and the legacy of President Martti Ahtisaari. In November 2023, a group of influential individuals submitted a petition to Finnish parliamentary groups to appeal for a significant donation to the fund. The petition resulted in Sitra, the Finnish Innovation Fund, pledging to support CMI with a significant donation of 10 million euros.
Finnish foundations make major donations to CMI Peace Fund
An election debate to reduce polarization
The inaugural Peace Debate, held ahead of the Finnish parliamentary elections, challenged traditional election concepts by asking candidates to find shared solutions, build common ground and listen to each other. Participants were rated by the audience based on their ability to find collective solutions.
Is this the future of election debates?
The second Peace Debate, organized in collaboration with Politico and Ilta-Sanomat, invited Finnish presidential candidates to discuss topics such as Ukraine, the Middle East, EU enlargement, as well as the roles of Finland and the EU in promoting peace. The event had both Finnish and English parts.
Highlights from CMI’s Peace Debate
Searching for new solutions in a turbulent world
Peacemakers need new solutions on how to better mobilize and react to the surge in violent conflict, but also on ways to discuss peace, said CEO Janne Taalas at Tampere Peace Day, a new conference organized in November by CMI and Tampere Peace Research Institute. The event invited researchers and practitioners to share the newest research and practical knowledge on peacemaking.
Tampere Peace Day: how should peacemakers adapt to a turbulent world?
Afghan women can make a difference
The role of women in Afghanistan was in the spotlight at the International Gender Equality Prize ceremony, an award that recognizes the global leaders of gender equality. CMI, a partner in the event, hosted a livestreamed discussion on women’s impact on peace in Afghanistan. Awardee Mahbouba Seraj did not see her country reaching gender equality in the foreseeable future, but nevertheless believed that women can make a change in the country.
International Gender Equality Prize highlights role of Afghan women
Expert commentary on peacemaking
CMI published five Insights covering topics from that ranged from recognising women’s political agency to reflections on lessons learned from the Iraq war and a report on CMI’s digitally enhanced foresight methodology. CMI Insights are publications that offer expert commentary on key issues in the field of peacemaking.