Chairman attends launch of Global Peacebuilders Project

The Chairperson of the Committee for the Office of the First and Deputy First Minister, Mr Danny Kennedy, today attended a celebration of the International Day of Peace and the launch of the Global Peacebuilders project at the invitation of Springboard.

Speaking at the launch he welcomed the opportunity to join in the celebration of the International Day of Peace and, noting the aims of the Global Peacebuilders project, said:

“We have much to share with peacebuilders world-wide. Northern Ireland has come a long way from the dark days of 40 years ago when it was known world wide for the horror of the ‘Troubles’. The transformation here has not been achieved easily and we have not achieved it on our own. We have benefited from the advice, assistance and perseverance of many internationally renowned peacebuilders. But this has been matched by vitally important work by individuals; by communities; by organisations and numerous others in Northern Ireland who despite the many set backs continued to believe in, and work for, a peaceful society.

Mr Kennedy also acknowledged that:

“while we may want to ‘shout from the rooftops’ about the successes and progress which have been made from the worst days of the ‘Troubles’, we must remember that for many in Northern Ireland, particularly those who are victims or survivors, those living in poverty and those from our ethnic communities, there is still much work to be done”.

Following his speech Danny Kennedy had an opportunity to look at the Global Peacebuilders Project website which aims to showcase local peacebuilding experience on the worldwide market for skills, training and expertise in the design and implementation of peacebuilding strategy, underlining the opportunities for shared learning and exchange of effective practice.