CMI works on everyday conflict resolution skills in Finland to strengthen non-violent ways of addressing conflict. The aim is to make conflict resolution a civic skill by supporting young people and the adults who work with them in resolving disagreements through dialogue instead of violence.
This work builds on Ahtisaari Days, which started in 2011 as an annual event for youth in Finland, supported by CMI’s founder, President Martti Ahtisaari. Due to growing demand, the work has expanded into year-round national programme reaching thousands of people each year.
Our work
CMI works with schools, young people and professionals to strengthen practical conflict resolution skills in everyday environments.
The work focuses on:
- helping young people understand how conflicts emerge
- building skills for addressing disagreements constructively
- supporting adults in guiding dialogue and responding to conflict
CMI brings its international conflict resolution expertise into everyday contexts and translates it into practical tools that can be applied in daily life.
CMI’s work on everyday conflict resolution skills is implemented through a set of activities and tools designed for different target groups.
KIISTA
CMI’s KIISTA is an online learning game that helps young people practise resolving everyday conflicts in a constructive and non-violent way.
Kiista introduces conflict resolution through interactive scenarios and practical challenges. It supports young people in understanding the causes of conflict and in developing skills to handle disagreements through dialogue.
KIISTA has been developed in response to a need for practical and engaging learning methods in schools. It is currently in use in Finnish lower secondary education and is designed for use in Finland and the Nordic countries. Swedish and English versions are planned to be released in 2027.
Ahtisaari Days
Ahtisaari Days is a structured set of school-based activities that bring conflict resolution into the school day.
Through workshops, lectures and simulations, learners explore how conflicts emerge and practise ways to resolve them constructively. The activities are guided by experts and delivered as part of a coherent event-based collaboration with schools.
Ahtisaari Days are implemented in cooperation with lower and upper secondary institutions across Finland.
Trainings
CMI provides training for teachers, youth workers and other professionals working with young people.
The trainings strengthen participants’ ability to:
- support constructive dialogue
- recognise and address conflicts at an early stage
- guide young people in resolving disagreements without escalation
In addition, the trainings aim to strengthen school environments and cultures in ways that support young people’s own active agency in using constructive ways to address and resolve conflicts.
Key results
CMI monitors the impact of its work on everyday conflict resolution skills across its activities.
Feedback from educators and young people shows that participants gain a clearer understanding of how conflicts emerge and how they can be addressed. A significant share of participants reports gaining practical tools for handling disagreements in their daily lives, and educators highlight clear added value for teaching. Across activities, the work consistently generates discussion on difficult topics and supports young people in reflecting on different perspectives and ways to respond through dialogue. Interactive and game-based formats further strengthen engagement and participation, creating space for active involvement in learning.
This work is supported by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland.