Ms Poutanen has over two decades of experience in peace mediation, with a longstanding focus on advancing gender- and youth-responsive approaches in peace processes. At CMI – Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation, she leads the organisation’s methodological priorities aimed at strengthening inclusive mediation practice and addressing both the opportunities and risks that digital technologies present for peacemaking.

She has advised, designed, and facilitated inclusive dialogue processes across diverse conflict-affected contexts, including Yemen, Palestine, South Sudan, and Nepal. Her work spans national and subnational tracks, supporting mediators, peace stakeholders, and grassroots actors in developing more representative and sustainable peace process architectures.

Ms Poutanen holds a Master’s degree in Diplomacy from the University of Helsinki and a Master in Public Administration from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, where she studied as a Fulbright Scholar. Johanna has also served as Fellow-in-Residence at Durham University (UK) within the research programme “Mediation for the 21st Century,” focusing on inclusive mediation design and practice.

She is a member of the Nordic Women Mediators network and contributes regularly to regional and international policy fora on mediation, Women, Peace and Security, and the future of peacemaking.