A tireless fighter for peace and an advocate of dialogue

Club de Madrid remembers and mourns the loss of Martti Ahtisaari, President of Finland between 1994 and 2000 and a priceless inspiration for all those who strive for peace in the world. 

As a peace mediator and United Nations diplomat, Ahtisaari leaves behind a legacy of ambitious international work. The application of his knowledge and expertise had a crucial role in negotiations and the strengthening of multilateral diplomacy around the world. Ahtisaari contributed to the resolution of conflicts in Namibia, Kosovo, Northern Ireland, and Indonesia, to name a few. 

Dedicated to the strengthening of peace, Ahtisaari founded the nonprofit organization Crisis Management Initiative (CMI) that now, in times of growing geopolitical tensions, continues his efforts. 

State leaders and activists honor Ahtisaari as a citizen of the world and a visionary with a powerful life’s work. 

His work touched the past, the present, and the future. We are grateful for his work with Club de Madrid between the years 2003 and 2021 and we are deeply proud to have been able to count someone like him among us. He will truly be missed.