Peace, security, and conflict resolution
Ireland and the Nordic countries enjoy a long-standing and multifaceted partnership on peacebuilding and conflict resolution.
Our peacekeepers have served together in UN missions around the globe.
Peace process in Northern Ireland
Finland made a major contribution to the peace process in Northern Ireland. President Ahtisaari played a vital role in the peace process in Northern Ireland, and in 2007 was nominated as international advisor to the Consultative Group on Dealing with the Past.
Conflict Management Initiative
Ireland remains a partner of President Ahtisaari through support for his Conflict Management Initiative, which works to prevent and resolve violent conflicts through informal dialogue and mediation.
Former Finnish Prime Minister, Harri Holkeri, was appointed to the International Body on decommissioning in 1995.
He went on to serve as a Co-Chair of the Multi-Party Talks which concluded with the Good Friday Agreement in 1998.
Increasing mediation capacity
Ireland actively shares the lived experience of the Northern Ireland Peace Process with those looking to resolve or avert conflict.
We support efforts to increase mediation capacity in the UN, EU and other international organisations.
The Nordic countries also hold a long and proud record of conflict resolution, having undertaken mediation efforts in locations as diverse as Afghanistan, Sudan, the Western Balkans, the South Caucasus and the Horn of Africa.
Harri played a major and constructive role in Northern Ireland securing the Good Friday Agreement, he was a man of peace, wisdom and a very good friend to Ireland.
Drawing on shared experiences
Ireland and the Nordic countries both possess a deep knowledge and commitment to conflict resolution in all its forms. Drawing on our shared experiences, we propose that in collaboration with our Nordic partners, we actively work to share our lived experiences of conflict resolution.
Ireland and Norway: shared UN Security Council term
Ireland and Norway’s membership of the UN Security Council in 2021-22 provides a unique opportunity to further these ambitions and opens up excellent scope for further close cooperation on various international issues.
We share many common values and perspectives with the Nordic countries, across a wide agenda. Our close partnership with Norway as fellow elected members of the UN Security Council enabled us to highlight a shared multilateralist agenda and constructively engage with global challenges together.
Close cooperation within the UN
Particular areas for close cooperation in the UN context are realising the Sustainable Development Goals; Women, Peace and Security; and climate change diplomacy.