I'm concerned when certain movements or countries have been isolated from the international dialogue because then you have no way of influencing them.
Martti AhtisaariRead
The origins of my career as a peace mediator can be found from my childhood years. I was born in the city of Viipuri, then still part of Finland. We lost Viipuri when the Soviet Union attacked my country. Along with 400,000 fellow Karelians, I became an eternally displaced person in the rest of Finland.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on the impact of childhood experiences on one's career choices, particularly in the context of peace mediation.
Martti Ahtisaari shares how his early life experiences, particularly the loss of his home in Viipuri due to war, shaped his path towards becoming a peace mediator. The quote highlights how personal experiences of displacement and loss can influence a person's professional motivations and aspirations, driving them to seek peace and resolution in conflicts.
Themes
PeaceDisplacementMediationChildhoodWar
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about conflict resolution at a university, I might reference Ahtisaari to illustrate the importance of personal experiences in becoming a mediator.
More from Martti Ahtisaari
All quotes →I know what it's like when you are a refugee, living on the mercy of others and having to adjust.
Martti AhtisaariRead
There are always interests that are furthered by war. Therefore, those who have power and influence can also stop them... we should not accept any excuses from those in power.
Martti AhtisaariRead
Peace is a question of will. All conflicts can be settled, and there are no excuses for allowing them to become eternal.
Martti AhtisaariRead
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