Ahtisaari Days kick off on Tuesday 11 November

The annual Ahtisaari Days, which highlight the importance of peace mediation and reconciliation at all levels of the Finnish society, are held on 11-13 November. Organised already for the fourth time, the main events this year are held in the cities of Helsinki and Turku.

The Ahtisaari Days 2014 are launched on 11 November in Helsinki with a seminar gathering international experts to tackle key issues that are currently facing Europe. How have the worsening economic situation and the changing security paradigm affected Europe? What are the consequences of the conflict in Ukraine and the energy-related tensions? How does the legacy of the Cold War still affect us? These issues are touched upon by our renowned keynote speakers: Emma Bonino, former Italian Foreign Minister, Russian history professor Robert Service, and chief United Nations Environment Programme scientist Jacqueline McGlade. President Martti Ahtisaari will open this seminar, which is organised jointly by CMI and the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra.

The Ahtisaari Days continue on 13 November in Turku. President Ahtisaari and CMI staff visit schools to increase awareness of conflict prevention and mediation among young people. Later the same day, CMI’s Executive Director Ms Tuija Talvitie will hold a lecture on conflict resolution at the Turku University. The day culminates in a public seminar with President Ahtisaari at the University, which will address questions related to responsible upbringing and children’s future.

The Ahtisaari Days are funded by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland.

More information about Ahtisaari Days: http://www.ahtisaaripaivat.fi/en/