Nobel Peace Prize 2008

Mr Ahtisaari was awarded the prize for his extensive efforts to resolve international conflicts, carried out on several continents and for more than three decades.

In its official statement regarding the award of the Nobel Peace Prize for 2008 to Martti Ahtisaari, the Norwegian Nobel Committee stated:

Today Ahtisaari is an outstanding international mediator. Through his untiring efforts and good results, he has shown what role mediation of various kinds can play in the resolution of international conflicts. The Norwegian Nobel Committee wishes to express the hope that others may be inspired by his efforts and his achievements.

Mr Ahtisaari received the Nobel Peace Prize on 10 December at a formal ceremony at Oslo City Hall.

Save the Children’s Peace Prize Party

On the morning of 10 December, Crown Princess Mette-Marit attended Save the Children’s Peace Prize Party at Rådhusplassen near Oslo City Hall. The 4,000 children in attendance were able to meet Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Martti Ahtisaari, who lit a flame for peace with 12-year-old Jorid Sophie and fielded questions from the children.

Audience

Later that day Martti Ahtisaari and his wife Eeva were granted an audience at the Royal Palace, and were received by King Harald and Queen Sonja. Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit were also in attendance.

Nobel Banquet and Nobel Peace Prize Concert

On the evening of 10 December, the King and the Queen attended the Nobel Banquet at the Grand Hotel in Oslo in honour of the laureate.

According to tradition, the annual Nobel Peace Prize Concert was held on 11 December. A musical tribute to the year’s prizewinner, the concert features performers from around the world. The concert was attended by the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess.