Born: 23 June 1937 · Died: 16 October 2023 · Age at death: 86
How old was Martti Ahtisaari when he died?
Martti Ahtisaari died aged 86. He was born on 23 June 1937 and died on 16 October 2023.
Nobel Peace Prize winner and former President of Finland
Did you know?He was a highly respected international mediator who helped resolve conflicts in places such as Indonesia and Namibia.
Quick facts
Date of birth23 June 1937
Date of death16 October 2023
Age at death86
NationalityFinnish
BirthplaceVyborg, Russia
Occupationpolitician, diplomat, teacher
Editor's Take:
Martti Ahtisaari spent his career helping enemies reach agreement. As a UN envoy he guided Namibia to independence. As Finland's President he helped persuade Slobodan Milošević to end the Kosovo war in 1999. Later his small mediation group brokered peace in Aceh after decades of fighting. His proposal for Kosovo's future remained controversial. He believed every conflict could be solved. The Nobel committee agreed his patience had saved many lives.
Key Milestones
1990: Oversees Namibia's transition to independence
1994: Becomes President of Finland
2005: Brokers peace in Aceh
2008: Wins the Nobel Peace Prize
Martti Oiva Kalevi Ahtisaari (23 June 1937 – 16 October 2023) was a Finnish politician and diplomat who was the president of Finland from 1994 to 2000. He was Finland's Ambassador to Tanzania from 1973 to 1977 and United Nations Commissioner for Namibia from 1977 to 1981.
