In today’s fractured geopolitical landscape, the path to peace is rarely linear. Comprehensive peace processes once anchored in effective multilateral structures —such as those of the United Nation—are increasingly rare. This has weakened the credibility, consistency, and responsibility of peace efforts. Multilateral frameworks not only help countries stay connected—they also provide the structure needed to ensure transparency and coordination in global conflict resolution. As traditional power structures shift and multilateral institutions face unprecedented strain, the need for broader, more inclusive connectivity in peacemaking has never been more urgent.
At CMI – Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation, we believe that lasting peace requires more than a ceasefire. It demands a commitment to dialogue, inclusion, and the courage to engage with all actors—established and emerging, traditional and unconventional.
“There will never be peace if war makes more sense than talking,” said CMI CEO Janne Taalas in a recent Monocle essay. “If Ukraine, Gaza and Sudan can teach us one lesson, let it be that war is always the worst option.”
The Case for Connectivity
The multilateral system, once the backbone of global cooperation, is under pressure. Polarisation, transactional diplomacy, and the rise of new centres of influence are challenging the dominance of traditional powers. As a result, peacemaking is becoming increasingly fragmented.
CMI has always aimed for coordination and complementarity in our work – indeed, this is a condition for successfully implementing our mandate as an independent actor. CMI’s Strategy 2030 further highlights one of our principles, which has increased in importance as the global systems face crises: complementarity. We foster connections across the spectrum, from multilateral organisations like the United Nations and African Union to regional coalitions, middle powers active in mediation, regional mediators, and civil society actors. This has never been just a strategic choice; it’s a necessity.
“We will foster connections with established and emerging peacemaking actors and initiatives,” our strategy states, “and remain steadfast in our support for multilateral and regional organisations.”
Beyond the Traditional Mediator
In a world where conflicts are increasingly internationalised and hybrid in nature, relying solely on traditional diplomatic channels is no longer sufficient. Informal dialogue, regional expertise, and local legitimacy are critical.
This is why CMI is deepening its engagement with multilateral institutions, such as the United Nations, but also with regional mediators, coalitions, and middle powers active in mediation—many of which have long-standing diplomatic traditions and are now gaining broader global recognition. Countries such as Türkiye, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and China are increasingly visible on the global mediation stage.
We are also investing in civil society participation, ensuring that women, youth, and marginalized voices are not sidelined in peace processes.
“Deals among warlords do not bring lasting peace,” Taalas reminds us. “We need to involve civil society in negotiations.”
A Networked Approach to Peace
CMI’s approach is rooted in connectivity as a force multiplier. We are building operational partnerships, consortia, and informal networks that span continents. From supporting EU peacemaking efforts – policy and practice, to working with the OSCE, IGAD, and ASEAN, we are helping to weave a more resilient fabric of cooperation.
We are also creating spaces for exchange: platforms where different peacemaking traditions, approaches and methodologies can be shared, debated, and refined. And we are strengthening ties with the research community to ensure that our work is grounded in evidence and innovation.
Why It Matters
In an era where diplomacy is often reduced to zero-sum games, or conducted on strictly transactional basis, connectivity offers a foundation for dialogue. These dialogues allow continued exchanges on how and to what ends conflict resolution efforts are undertaken, how to make them more effective and how to operationalise cooperation in dialogue and mediation efforts. As we look ahead, CMI will continue to build bridges even in the most complex contexts. We will remain a steadfast partner to multilateral institutions, a bridge between traditional and emerging actors, and a platform for inclusive dialogue.