19 February 2024 marked a special moment for the EUI community as we bade goodbye to Professor Alexander Stubb, Director of the Florence School of Transnational Governance and President-elect of Finland.
In his address, Professor Stubb reflected on the current global landscape, emphasising the prevalence of conflict and the urgent need for peace. He outlined his commitment to fostering peace both domestically and internationally, highlighting his dedication to mediation efforts worldwide.
The event also served as an occasion to inaugurate the Martti Ahtisaari Peace Hall at Palazzo Buontalenti, dedicated to the late president of Finland and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Martti Ahtisaari. Marko Ahtisaari, Artistic Director of the Helsinki Festival and son of the late Nobel Peace laureate Martti Ahtisaari, accepted the plaque on behalf of his father.
Stubb was elected President of Finland on Sunday 11 February 2024. He will take up his new role on 1 March. As he embarks on a new adventure, we celebrated his legacy as the Director of the Florence STG and wished him all the best in his future endeavours.