The task of the mediator is to help the parties to open difficult issues and nudge them forward in the peace process. The mediator's role combines those of a ship's pilot, consulting medical doctor, midwife and teacher.

The quote by Martti Ahtisaari highlights the complex and multifaceted role of a mediator in conflict resolution. Ahtisaari emphasizes that a mediator’s main responsibility is to help parties address difficult issues and facilitate progress in the peace process. By framing mediation as a delicate and strategic task, he underscores the importance of guiding negotiations with skill, patience, and insight.

Ahtisaari uses vivid metaphors to describe the mediator’s role, comparing it to that of a ship’s pilot, consulting medical doctor, midwife, and teacher. Each comparison conveys a different aspect of mediation: the ship’s pilot navigates complex waters, the doctor diagnoses and treats issues carefully, the midwife helps bring new solutions into being, and the teacher provides guidance and knowledge. Together, these metaphors illustrate that successful mediation requires a combination of technical expertise, empathy, and strategic guidance.

The origin of this quote comes from Ahtisaari’s extensive experience as a diplomat and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, known for mediating conflicts in places such as Kosovo, Namibia, and Indonesia. His reflections are grounded in firsthand experience with the challenges of negotiation, where the mediator must balance impartiality, persuasion, and patience to achieve lasting peace.

Overall, the quote emphasizes that mediation is a delicate and multifaceted process requiring both practical skill and human insight. Ahtisaari’s perspective shows that the mediator is not simply a neutral observer but an active participant, guiding conflicting parties toward understanding, compromise, and the ultimate goal of peaceful resolution.