Mediation as part of Finland’s foreign and security policy
Mediation is one form of peaceful conflict resolution and prevention. Mediation has become an increasingly important part of Finland’s foreign and security policy in recent years. Permanent solutions to violent conflicts can only be achieved by addressing the underlying political, economic and social problems.
A stabler world is in Finland’s own interest too. As a mediator, Finland can help parties to the conflict prevent violence and achieve peace and stability.
The Centre for Mediation, which was established under the Ministry’s Political Department in 2020, develops Finland’s state-level mediation activities. The network of diplomatic missions is an important resource in this work. The success that Finnish organisations have achieved in mediation supports our good international reputation. Finland’s mediation activities can be further strengthened by improving cooperation between the state and civil society actors.
Finland has a lot to offer to conflict resolution
A conflict can only be sustainably resolved by the parties themselves — Finland and other actors can support the parties in these efforts. Finland has a great deal to offer to peaceful conflict prevention and conflict resolution. Finland is known both as an advocate for mediation and as a mediation actor. We support grassroots actors, promote dialogue between the parties and strengthen international mediation. This will also we strengthen Finland’s international position.
Normative work creates space for mediation
Mediation is a conflict prevention and resolution method referred to in the UN Charter. Finland has taken determined steps to strengthen the position of mediation in multilateral forums Mediation has a long time span, and it is fraught with risks and uncertainty. Finland works to provide added value and support for finding sustainable solutions to conflicts.
The UN Group of Friends of Mediation(Link to another website.) was founded in 2010 on the initiative of Finland and Türkiye. As a co-chair of the Group, Finland has had a key role in the preparation of four resolutions on mediation and in raising awareness of mediation in the United Nations. More detailed instructions have been developed to facilitate the work of mediators in the field.
Regional organisations operate close to the conflict and its parties. The Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) is an important multilateral forum for Finland and has access to a wide range of tools from early warning systems to crisis management and post-conflict response. Along with Switzerland and Türkiye, Finland chairs the OSCE Group of Friends on Mediation.
The European Union has excellent potential to promote stability across the world. Finland and Spain co-chair the EU Group of Friends of Mediation.
Finland has also provided long-term support for building the mediation capacity of the African Union.
Thematic priorities of Finland’s activities
Finland has internationally significant specialist expertise that can be used and promoted in mediation.
The thematic priorities of the Foreign Ministry’s mediation activities are:
1. increasing women’s meaningful participation in peace processes;
2. increasing young people’s meaningful participation in peace processes;
3. role of religious and traditional peacemakers;
4. water diplomacy.
Increasing women’s meaningful participation in peace processes
Women play a key role in achieving lasting peace. It is essential that women are given a place at the negotiation table as mediators and members of society. Women should be seen as crucial actors in peace processes rather than as mere victims of conflicts.
Finland has a strong focus on promoting women’s ownership of and participation in peace processes in line with UN Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000) on Women, Peace and Security. Finland is currently implementing its fourth national action plan for 2023–2027.(Link to another website.) (Opens New Window)
Nordic Women Mediators (NWM) Finland, established by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in 2015, is a network of 31 leading professionals in peace and security. The network’s operative partner is CMI — Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation(Link to another website.) (Opens New Window). NWM Finland is part of the Nordic Women Mediators network(Link to another website.) (Opens New Window).
Young people’s participation in peace processes is important
Armed conflicts and violence affect the lives of one in every four young people in some way, and young people bear the consequences of many global crises. Including young people in all levels of decision-making is essential for the achievement of lasting peace. Discussions with young people are a regular part of the Foreign Ministry’s mediation meetings and events.
Finland is a frontrunner in implementing UN Security Council Resolution 2250 on Youth, Peace and Security (2015). Finnish youth organisations played an important role in the development of the resolution in 2011 when the Finnish National Youth Council Allianssi, the UN Association of Finland and Scouts and Guides of Finland handed a petition to the UN Secretary General at the time, Ban Ki-moon, at SuomiAreena. In 2021, Finland was the first country in the world to publish a national action plan for implementing the UN Resolution on Youth, Peace and Security.
Finland supports the role of religious and traditional peacemakers in peace processes
Religions, world view and identity politics play an important role in international relations. In conflicts, religion as a determinant of identity may divide parties or disguise the real causes of the conflict. On the other hand, religion may unite different parties; religious and traditional actors can build dialogue and trust even in difficult circumstances and thus create an important foundation for conflict prevention and resolution.
Finland has internationally recognised, worldwide networks of religious actors. Cooperation with universities and research institutes is also important.
Water diplomacy is proactive mediation
Water diplomacy is politically oriented action aimed at preventing, defusing and solving water-related tensions by a combination of water expertise and diplomatic means and cooperation.
Climate change increases the risk of conflicts, and water issues have become an increasingly evident source of, but also a solution to, potential conflicts.
Finland has a long tradition of transboundary water cooperation, and this expertise will increasingly support Finland’s foreign and security policy.