A former President of Finland, recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, and respected international mediator, Martti Ahtisaari played a significant role in the Northern Ireland Peace Process, especially through his role in the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning. His peace-making role extended across many parts of the world, including Kosovo, Iraq, and Indonesia.   

He delivered the first Harri Holkeri Lecture at Queen’s in 2013, which also marked the establishment of the Institute for the Study of Conflict Transformation and Social Justice, now the Senator George J. Mitchell Institute for Global Peace, Security and Justice. 

President and Vice-Chancellor of Queen’s, Professor Sir Ian Greer said: “The entire University offer their deepest condolences to the family and friends of former President Ahtisaari. He played a crucial role in the peace process here in Northern Ireland for which he will be forever remembered. As a diplomat, mediator, and Nobel Peace laureate, his legacy will serve as a shining example for all who aspire to make this world a more peaceful place.” 

Professor Richard English, Director of the Mitchell Institute, commented: “Everyone at the Institute is saddened to hear the news about Martti Ahtisaari, somebody who made a great contribution to peace-building globally, and who was a great friend to Northern Ireland and to Queen's University. We send our deepest condolences to his family and friends.”