Courtesy visit by Finland delegation to SPF President Sunami

On May 24, 2024, a delegation from Finland led by Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Security Policy Outi Holopainen paid a courtesy visit to Sasakawa Peace Foundation (SPF) President Atsushi Sunami. 

The wide-ranging discussions covered topics including peace mediation, the arctic, regional geopolitical challenges, energy security, among others. Both sides also underscored the critical role of engagement between governments and private institutions.

On the topic of peace mediation, Under-Secretary Holopainen pointed to momentum at the state level in Finland through the establishment of the Centre for Peace Mediation within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She also highlighted the important collaboration between the Finnish government and private organizations, including CMI – Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation, a Finnish institution internationally recognized in the field of peace mediation.

Dr. Sunami noted that SPF, which previously collaborated with CMI, has been engaged in peace meditation activities for more than a decade in regions including Southern Thailand. He also pointed to the foundation’s work with Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa, who is now actively promoting the Women, Peace, and Security Agenda in Japan and internationally. 

Additional participants from Finland included Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Finland to Japan and Palau Tanja Jääskeläinen, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Counsellor Eveliina Saarinen, and Deputy Head of Mission for the Embassy of Finland in Tokyo Henna Knuuttila.