Dr. Aarne Kinnunen highlighted previous Nordic seminars held in Finland (2007 and 2012) and Norway, noting that many of the themes remain relevant today – particularly the uneven development of RJ across the Nordic countries. He acknowledged some progress, such as Finland’s decision to transfer responsibility for mediation services from the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health to the Ministry of Justice, a change set to take effect in 2027. However, he also pointed out ongoing challenges, including a lack of public awareness, political support, and media attention for RJ. Funding remains a significant issue, reflecting a broader lack of trust in mediation compared to traditional justice institutions. Kinnunen emphasized the importance of continued collaboration and dialogue to strengthen RJ in the Nordic region, especially in difficult times. He also expressed gratitude to the Nordic Council of Ministers for funding the seminar and underscored the importance of our shared Nordic values.
Once the background of the current efforts was given, the host of the seminar, the Åland Islands Peace Institute, welcomed everyone to Åland. Project manager Petra Granholm provided a brief history of the islands and the example of peace and conflict resolution that Åland is. The peaceful “Åland solution” of the League of Nations in 1921 has served both Åland, the Finland – Sweden relationship and the world in that is has combined autonomy, demilitarisation and neutralisation, and minority rights into the “Åland example”. That is why the Åland Islands are called the ”Islands of peace”, something Director Susann Simolin noted rhymes well with the idea of RJ and the work of the peace institute. Participants were very interested to hear of the unique case of conflict resolution that the Åland Example portrays.