Wilton Park today published a report reflecting on the open and
constructive dialogue between participants at a special
conference on a more confident and inclusive Northern Ireland,
held in partnership with the Northern Ireland Office and the
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
The conference was convened looking ahead to the 25th anniversary
of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement in April 2023. It brought
together young people with politicians and representatives from
the public sector, academia, peace-building organisations, and
youth workers to consider the conditions needed to build a fair,
prosperous and vibrant future for all.
Participants reflected on the extraordinary transformation
Northern Ireland has undergone over the last quarter century, and
shared ideas on how Northern Ireland can reach its potential,
with a focus on the role of young people.
These ideas included:
- Ensuring that children and young people from all backgrounds
are included in decision-making processes - participants also
called on business and civic society to be more proactive in
their youth engagement.
- Longer-term investments and improvements in education, in
particular to support greater integration through education.
- Developing empathy skills, including via the education and
skills system to support a more stable and just society.
- Work to attain a more confident and inclusive society is
something that begins in very early stages of life, and can be
supported by early years interventions.
- Instilling a sense of entrepreneurial ambition within young
people would retain talent and support Northern Ireland’s future
economic prosperity.
Looking forward, the conference concluded that the Belfast (Good
Friday) Agreement’s upcoming 25th anniversary presents a strong
opportunity to share Northern Ireland’s success story with the
world - with a particular focus on promoting its innovative
economy, cultural prowess and creativity, and areas of natural
beauty.
Minister of State for Northern Ireland, , who attended the conference,
said:
This report really captures the positive and uplifting
discussions that were had at Wilton Park.
Bringing together young voices and decision makers is so crucial
in political debate, and I was inspired to hear fresh thinking to
help us achieve a more confident and inclusive Northern Ireland
with long-term peace and prosperity.
As we move closer to the 25th anniversary of the Belfast (Good
Friday) Agreement, it is more important than ever to encourage
individuals from all walks of life to engage in dialogue so that
we may build an even brighter future.
In support for greater integration through education, the UK
government has recently announced a £1.9m
funding package to support schools through the
transformation process towards integrated status.
Notes to editors
-
The report is available to download. As the conference was
held under the Chatham House Rule, conference participants
are not identified: https://www.wiltonpark.org.uk/reports/
-
Wilton Park was established as part of an initiative inspired
by Winston Churchill to help re-establish peace and democracy
in Europe in the aftermath of the Second World War.
Discussions on how to promote peace, reconciliation and
understanding have been a core mandate of Wilton Park ever
since. Find out more about the conference at: www.wiltonpark.org.uk/event/a-more-confident-and-inclusive-northern-ireland/
