30 October 2007 Queen's Debates NI Conflict on International Stage
Marking ten years since Northern Ireland’s Good Friday Agreement, international leaders past and present - led by Senator George Mitchell – will gather at Queen's University Belfast to examine how the conflict in Northern Ireland ended, and whether other conflict zones across the globe can learn from our experiences.
Participants at the Mitchell Conference May 22-23, 2008, include former Irish President Mary Robinson, Lord David Trimble, Albert Reynolds, Seamus Mallon, Desmond Tutu and Fergal Keane. They will be joined by politicians, academics, lawyers, and community workers.
Senator Mitchell, who is now Queen's Chancellor said, "Northern Ireland has come a long way in the past ten years. The fabric of society has changed beyond all recognition and its people are enjoying the benefits of a settled society. Although not perfect, so much has been achieved and a strong local Assembly is in place.
"The two days in May will bring people together from different walks of life, all of whom were integral to building peace and securing future stability. The conference embraces the political leaders involved in negotiations and community workers who did so much at a grassroots level.
"Northern Ireland's lasting legacy could be in showing the way to possible solutions in other conflicts such as Iraq."
The Northern Ireland Bureau has been actively promoting the region’s work in conflict resolution, and the Mitchell Conference is a prime example of the internationalization of the Northern Ireland experience. Maeve Walls, Deputy Director of the Northern Ireland Bureau said, “This event is yet another indication that Northern Ireland has begun a new chapter. After decades of conflict, we find ourselves in a position to share our expertise with the global community. We are not suggesting that we have all the answers, but we do have a unique experience that may be of benefit to others.”
The conference is one of a series of events taking place to strengthen academic links between Mitchell's alma mater in Washington (Georgetown University where he received his Law degree in 1961) and Queen’s University. Last year Queen’s signed a formal agreement with Georgetown University, committing both universities to co-operation on a program of shared activities and interests. A distinguished delegation from Georgetown will take part in the symposium.