Today’s peace mediation involves a greater number and diversity of actors than ever before. At present, the global arena of mediation is facing a transformation from a club of well-coordinated governmental actors to a dynamic network, where small and big states, regional organizations and non-governmental actors jointly design, implement and learn from peace mediation and related efforts. On the one hand, this possesses a great challenge for states, as traditional roles and responsibilities have to be adapted to the changed context. But at the same time, it also offers opportunities for those actors which can reshape their profile to better respond to the new situation. This seminar will examine the prospects, avenues and capacities of small states and Finland in particular to perform successful peace mediation in these global networks of peace mediation. What kinds of structures of peace mediation should small states and Finland generate? Which unique features, leverages and advantages can they utilise? With which actors should they forge cooperation arrangements?
Opening of the seminar
8.30 – 9.00 Coffee
9.00 – 9.05 Welcoming words – Mika Aaltola, Programme Director of the Research Programme on Global Security, Finnish Institute of International Affairs
9.05-9.15 Opening remarks – Tuija Talvitie, Executive Director, Crisis Management Initiative
Part 1 Key note speeches
9.15 – 9.40 Role of governmental actors of small states in mediation of modern conflicts – William Zartman, Professor Emeritus, School of Advanced International Studies, Johns Hopkins University
9.40 – 10.00 Role of private actors of small states in mediation of modern conflicts – Andrew Marshall, Senior Advisor on Mediation, Crisis Management Initiative
10.00 – 10.15 Comments – Tuija Talvitie
Part 2 Panel discussion
10.15 – 11.50 Panel discussion on prospects, challenges and opportunities for Finland as a peacemaker
Moderator: Tuija Talvitie
William Zartman, Professor Emeritus, Johns Hopkins University
Andrew Marshall, Senior Advisor on Mediation, Crisis Management Initiative
Heli Kanerva, Special Representative for Mediation and UN Resolution 1325, Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland
Kimmo Kiljunen, Special Representative of Foreign Minister for Regional Peace-Mediation Tasks
Antti Pentikäinen, Executive Director of Finn Church Aid
11.50 – 12.00 Concluding remarks – Tuija Talvitie
