War has returned to the centre of international politics and as a result, peacemaking has moved to the heart of global power politics. However, the erosion of UN-led structures, together with mounting challenges within key regional organizations, directly undermines comprehensive and inclusive peace processes. Peacemaking is becoming more state-centric, short-term, and transactional.
This dynamic has created a critical gap between elite-driven negotiations and longer-term peacemaking efforts. The narrowing of peace processes reduces legitimacy and weakens the durability of agreements, as underlying social, economic, governance, and human rights grievances remain largely unaddressed. These structural shifts underscore the need for more flexible and innovative approaches to peacemaking.
What are the concrete ways in which state, multilateral, and private peacemaking actors can fill this gap? How can they complement rapid deal-making without reinforcing its limitations? How can elite negotiations be connected to inclusive processes, international legal commitments, and longer-term peacemaking efforts? These are among the questions we will explore together on 26 February.
Agenda
Welcoming remarks
Mr. Marko Ahtisaari, Chair of the Board, CMI – Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation
Opening remarks
H.E. Mr. Paul Sherlock, Ambassador of Ireland to Finland
Dr. Janne Taalas, CEO of CMI – Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation
Keynote and panel discussion
Keynote speech by Dr. Steven Everts, Director of EU Institute for Security Studies
Panel discussion
Dr. Steven Everts, Director of EU Institute for Security Studies
Ms. Dalia Yousif Ali, Doctoral Candidate, TUM School of Technology and Social Science, Representative of the Sudanese Youth Forum
Dr. Jibecke Joensson, Head of Multilateral Affairs and Peacemaking Policy at CMI – Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation
Dr. Heidi Huuhtanen, Senior Research Fellow at the Finnish Institute of International Affairs
Moderator: Dr. Katariina Mustasilta, Senior Research Fellow at the Finnish Institute of International Affairs
Comments
Mr Ville Skinnari, Member of Parliament
Q&A session
Open floor for questions
Closing
Dr. Hiski Haukkala, Director of the Finnish Institute of International Affairs