Category: Peacekeeping

Peace is not absence of conflict, but the ability to handle conflict by peaceful means (Ronald Reagan)

In our world, conflict is present everywhere, be it in conflicting situations with friends, coworkers, neighbors, family members, in competition in general, in international relations, between various groups in a specific area, or between states. Mankind has, according to historical events and teachings, always been involved in a number of conflicts either locally or internationally. Nevertheless, most of humanity lives in peace, and peaceful living has never been as widespread as it is today. Despite of the fact that some conflicts remain anonymous, unresolved, complicated, and out-of-reach for international peacekeeping organizations to resolve.

Violence is the first refuge of the incompetent. (Issac Asimov)

Discussing and negotiating peace is always a better, and an easier choice, than having a fear of new conflicts, or even of having the thought of old conflicts remaining unsolved. All conflict we experience in the world, is a conflict within ourselves. It is also essential to realize that all conflicts emerge from the ego´s willingness to rule, an inability to deal with either personal or external behaviors in a mature way, competition, and lack of willingness to accept, and to understand the point of view of others.

According to Finnish long-term politician Pekka Haavisto, who represents the Green League, and has also represented the UN in a number of roles, the role of women in peacekeeping worldwide is currently underrepresented, suggesting that in fact, women should have increasingly much significance and a larger role to play not only in shaping world economy, but also in shaping current and future societies through a number of, and various, peacekeeping activities. Pekka Haavisto, a progressive, both nationally and internationally recognized politician from one of the least corrupted countries in the world, is not the only remarkable individual from Finland in terms of conflict resolution and peacekeeping, yet, he is the only politician so far in our country who has spoken up about the importance of women in peacekeeping.

Martti Ahtisaari, who served as the 10th President of Finland (1994-2000), is perhaps even better known internationally for his Nobel Peace Prize laureate and for his international peace work together with his work for the United Nations as a diplomat and a mediator. Martti Ahtisaari, after having served for the UN as a Special Envoy for Kosovo during the conflict, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his many efforts on several continents during many decades in international conflict resolution, and established CMI (Crisis Management Initiative), a Peace Broker organization with the purpose of creating peace, negotiating in conflict situations and thus, making the world a better, and a safer place.

Anger is only one letter short of danger (Eleanor Roosevelt)

The purpose of this post is not to resolve every conflict in this world, but rather to tap into a topic that definitely is always actual to every conscious human being. Despite of the fact that 11.11. is a magic day according to some, peace and conflict management are always actual and relevant topics that ought to be discussed more openly and widely by the public, and by people in general. Holding on to negative emotions, including fear, is never the correct choice for anyone, yet, negative emotions should never lead to disruptive or uncontrolled behavior.

What are your thoughts about conflict management, conflict resolution, and peacekeeping activities in general? What kinds of behaviors, and actions, would lead to an even more peaceful environment, and world? What is the role, and importance, of integrating women into peacekeeping activities in the world? What kinds of changes does peacekeeping require to become even more efficient than it today is?

Women & Peacekeeping: A growing force (the UN):

Please share your thoughts and ideas, especially if you agree with the fact that our world needs to become even more peaceful, and free of conflicts, than it is today. Thank you for all your comments, likes, and shares.