The Åland Islands Peace Institute - what is it?
The Peace Institute was founded in the autumn of 1992 with the aim of promoting the peaceful development of society in Åland, in the surrounding area and internationally. The Åland Islands Peace Institute is an independent institute working with research, education and information. The focus is on issues of self-government, minorities and non-violence with Åland and its special status as a starting point.
Peace has many elements and requires constant effort. All are needed. Even small actions and contributions are important.
What does the Åland Islands Peace Institute do?
The Peace Institute is a window between Åland and the rest of the world and also a window between practice and research. We provide knowledge and analysis on Åland and beyond. The Peace Institute serves as a meeting place and arena for dialogue. People from all over the world come to Åland and to the Peace Institute to learn more about and to discuss self-government solutions, the status of minorities and ways to limit war and the use of violence. Many are inspired by the Åland example and by other similar solutions. As differences of opinion and interests are inevitable, an important part of the work is to identify possibilities for conflict management without violence. In a world of paradoxes and polarisation, environmental monitoring and analysis is more important than ever.
The talks are always held in association with Åland’s Demilitarization Day, the 30th March.
Who is the Åland Islands Peace Institute?
The Peace Institute brings together a large network of people on Åland and beyond. The work of the Peace Institute is guided by a Board of Directors consisting of four men and four women. The chairman of the board is Roger Nordlund and the director of the Institute is Sia Spiliopoulou Åkermark. Visit peace.ax to get to know the other members of the board and staff.
Research at the Peace Institute is quality assured by a Research Council. Senior advisors are another resource in the Institute’s activities. Volunteers and interns from all over the world contribute to the peace work. Guest researchers, collaboration partners and the annual Åland Peace Fellow contribute to our work with new knowledge and new thinking.
The Åland Islands Peace Institute is a small organisation and peace issues are big. It is therefore important to have good networks and contacts locally and around the world. Together we think better.
Who finances the Åland Islands Peace Institute?
The Åland Islands Peace Institute has local, national and international funding that varies from year to year and allows the Foundation to remain politically and religiously independent. About half of the funding comes from the Åland Government and Paf funds. The rest comes from various public and private funders.
How can you participate in working for peace?
On the website www.peace.ax you can subscribe to newsletters, register for seminars and events, read annual reports and listen to events. You can sign up for an e-course on territorial self-government. You can look at a digital map of the world with some cases where the Åland example has been used. You can get a glimpse of 30 years of working for peace.
Do you want to support our work?
Support the Åland Peace Fund!
PEACE WORK IS NEEDED
