ImagineNations Congratulates Board Member Martti Ahtisaari for Being Awarded 2008 Nobel Peace Prize Former President of Finland and ImagineNations Director-at-Large Martti Ahtisaari has been awarded the 2008 peace prize by the Norwegian Nobel Committee. President Ahtisaari, who has been associated over decades with peace efforts and diplomacy from Asia to Africa and Europe, was chosen for his important efforts on several continents over these past 30 years to resolve international conflicts. "On behalf of ImagineNations Group, its staff and global partners, we wish to congratulate Martti on receiving the Nobel peace prize," said Rick Little, president & CEO of ImagineNations. "We are very proud that he has been recognized worldwide for his extraordinary efforts in mediating international conflicts. This recognizes Martti's outstanding leadership and dedication toward humanity." President Ahtisaari will be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize at a ceremony in Oslo on Dec. 10, 2008. "Lasting peace requires heart-felt commitment, and Martti has had singular focus and an enormous impact around the globe," said Alan Fleischmann, managing director of ImagineNations. "The prize will be an inspiration to everyone, particularly to young people, working on international peace and global development efforts for many, many years to come." Martti Ahtisaari was elected as president of the Republic of Finland in 1994. Previously, he held various positions in the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland including under-secretary of state in charge of international development cooperation and secretary of state. He served as the special representative of the secretary-general for Namibia from 1978 to 1990 and became the under-secretary general for administration and management in 1987. Other post-presidential activities have included facilitating the peace process between the Government of Indonesia and the Free Aceh Movement, chairing an independent panel on the security and safety of UN personnel in Iraq and appointments as the UN special envoy for the Horn of Africa and personal envoy of the OSCE CiO for Central Asia. Previously, President Ahtisaari served as the special envoy of the secretary-general of the United Nations for the future status process for Kosovo. President Ahtisaari serves as director-at-large on the Board of Directors of ImagineNations Group. About ImagineNations Group ImagineNations(TM) Group is a global alliance of entrepreneurs, thought leaders, investors, financial institutions, philanthropists and global brands -- all working together to empower and inspire a new generation of successful young adults in the developing world with employment and livelihood opportunities. By designing and launching investment funds and financial institutions, ImagineNations and its partners are providing young entrepreneurs with financial resources and business/leadership coaching that young people need in order to start micro- and small businesses. Along with the World Bank Group, ImagineNations is the co-founder of the Global Partnership for Youth Investment. Source: ImagineNations Group, Inc.