Nordic countries once held biannual seminars to share developments in the field of mediation and restorative justice (RJ). However, these seminars ceased over a decade ago, and since then, collaboration has become sporadic or limited to small-scale efforts among a few individuals. In recent years, a renewed interest has emerged among practitioners of RJ and mediation across the Nordic region to re-establish a more structured and consistent network. Responding to this need, the Finnish Ministry of Justice together with the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare and the Åland Islands Peace Institute took the initiative to seek funding for the project. With help of a working group supporting the Åland Island Peace Institute a proposal was written and later approved by the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Committee of Senior Officials for Justice Affairs (ÄK-JUST).
This project contributes to a socially sustainable Nordic region. Achieving sustainability goals at the global, Nordic, and local levels requires a cultural transformation. In recent decades, restorative practices in various forms have offered new ways of viewing societal and individual conflicts. However, such practices remain marginal within criminal, judicial, and social policy. There is significant potential for RJ to be applied more broadly as an alternative, complement, or continuation of other processes.
RJ can be briefly described as a way of addressing conflict, crime, or polarization through dialogue that tackles harm by engaging the affected parties. When structurally applied, the potential for shared understanding and trust contributes to stronger social cohesion. This is further supported at the Nordic level through a common understanding of concepts, principles, and methods – which this project aims to foster.
RJ, as expressed through various forms of mediation, reconciliation, conferences, and peace circles, enables us to shift our perspective from individual truth to shared truth, and thus to the shared values central to the strategic goal of a socially sustainable Nordic region. When it comes to cultural transformation, RJ has the potential to change society’s narrative from one of separation (between individuals, communities, and nature) to one in which interpersonal connection is strong and understanding can be achieved through dialogue, underpinning democratic values.
This project is grounded in the idea that RJ contributes to human well-being and thus to sustainability. Its pan-Nordic dimension is at the core of the project’s vision, aiming for improved cooperation, knowledge exchange, and ultimately more harmonized policy and legislation in this field.