CMI – Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation and Savonlinna Opera Festival held the first-ever “Sound of Peace – Geopolitics at the Opera” High-Level Discussions on July 6th 2024, bringing together diplomacy and culture in the historic city of Savonlinna, Finland.
Ambassadors from 14 countries as well as representatives from CMI and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland gathered for this inaugural event. Photo: Melis Yasat / CMI
The event brought together ambassadors from 14 countries, alongside representatives from CMI and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland to engage in discussions on the role of mediation and dialogue in a shifting world order, where geopolitics has emerged as a key concern for security.
The discussions were led by keynote speaker H.E. Pierre Vimont, Senior Fellow at Carnegie Europe and former Secretary-General of the European External Action Service. The conversations underscored the essential need for dialogue in the current European context. The European Union has long been celebrated as one of the world’s most significant peace processes and in recent years, the EU has bolstered its role as an active mediator in international conflicts. However, the current focus has shifted towards armament and the use of force as paths to peace. This makes conversations about peace and dialogue as a tool ever more crucial.
H.E. Pierre Vimont held the keynote speech of the event. Ambassador Vimont holds the title of “Ambassadeur de France”, which has been bestowed upon only a few French diplomats. Photo: Melis Yasat / CMI
The aim of the High-Level Discussions was to discuss the role of mediation and dialogue in a shifting world order, where geopolitics has emerged as a key concern for security. Photo: Melis Yasat / CMI
It was emphasised that Europe must engage with global conflicts, which have far-reaching impacts. Achieving compromise and solutions through dialogue has become more challenging, with short-term political goals overshadowing the slow process of building and maintaining trust. Despite these challenges, participants saw opportunities for Europe to define its role as a proactive global actor, crafting an influential geopolitical position and a shared narrative for a better future. Preserving traditional diplomatic skills and channels is vital, yet Europe should also be proactive and agile, forging new relationships and innovating amidst the current struggles of multilateralism.
This sentiment was strongly supported by Janne Taalas, CEO of CMI, who emphasised our mission to resolve conflicts through mediation. “President Martti Ahtisaari founded CMI on the belief that all conflicts are solvable. Mediation is a vital aspect of international politics as it addresses conflicts and their root causes. It is essential that dialogue and the pursuit of peace are seen as integral components of comprehensive security. Every opportunity to strengthen dialogue must be seized, and our collaboration with the Savonlinna Opera Festival provided an excellent platform for this,” Taalas stated.
CEO of CMI Janne Taalas welcoming guests to the event at Rauhalinna. Photo: Melis Yasat / CMI
Ville Matvejeff, Artistic Director of the Savonlinna Opera Festival, highlighted the festival’s role as a facilitator for such significant discussions. “The Savonlinna Opera Festival is internationally recognised and serves as an ideal venue for both informal and formal decision-making forums. The midnight opera performance on Lake Saimaa perfectly complements meaningful decisions and discussions. The festival aims to support and enable conversations like those at the Sound of Peace event,” Matvejeff explained.
Ville Matvejeff, Artistic Director of Savonlinna Opera Festival. Photo: Melis Yasat / CMI
The event provided a unique venue for diplomats and peacebuilders to engage openly in critical conversations about the future of global security and the essential role of mediation in achieving lasting peace. The blend of insightful dialogue and cultural enrichment, exemplified by the premiere of Verdi’s “Nabucco,” created an atmosphere conducive to open and meaningful exchanges.
This successful event was made possible by the support of various partners, including Järvisydän, the National Museum of Finland, Matka-Kosonen, Rauhalinna, Spahotel Casino, Suur-Savon Osuuskauppa, and VIP Cruise. Their contributions ensured that Sound of Peace was not just about discussions but an experience that brought together diplomacy, culture, and the serene beauty of Finnish nature. As the world faces evolving geopolitical challenges, the importance of such platforms cannot be overlooked.
Views over Lake Saimaa from Olavinlinna Castle after the premiere of Nabucco at Savonlinna opera Festival. Photo: Melis Yasat / CMI
Photos and article: Melis Yasat / CMI