Parallel Histories Stormont Debate Conference 2024- Day 2

At the Stormont debates, students from across Northern Ireland will investigate the controversial histories of Northern Ireland. This workshop is to prepare them for working on sensitive topics with people the same age from across communities. They will focus on collaboratively investigating and then articulating views drawn from sources first from one side and then from the other in conversational debate. In the process they will learn how histories have been constructed and develop the skills and confidence they need to listen, question, and arrive at their own, informed choices.

Centre for Cross Border Studies 25th Annual Conference

Celebrating a shared journey and the path ahead

Our 25th Annual Conference will take place on Thursday 19 September 2024 in Ballymascanlon Hotel and Golf Resort, Dundalk.

It is the highlight of our events calendar and there will be noteworthy keynote addresses, panel discussions, and informal networking. The conference will bring together a range of decision and policy-makers, leading academics, civil society representatives and commentators. The work of the Centre for Cross Border Studies has been significant in supporting cooperation and relations within and across these islands. We will be celebrating key achievements, partnerships, events and staff over the past 25 years.

Volume 19 of the Journal of Cross Border Studies in Ireland will also be presented at the conference. Comprising a range of articles by well-known contributors from the academic and policy world, it is a great read.

Waiting list in operation! Join the waiting list here

Parallel Histories Stormont Debate Workshop – Strathearn School

Parallel Histories are delighted that Strathearn School is taking part in the Parallel Histories/Good Relations Week Debates on controversial Northern Irish histories at Stormont on 13th September.

At the Stormont debates, students from across Northern Ireland will investigate the controversial histories of Northern Ireland. This workshop is to prepare them for working on sensitive topics with people the same age from across communities. They will focus on collaboratively investigating and then articulating views drawn from sources first from one side and then from the other in conversational debate. In the process they will learn how histories have been constructed and develop the skills and confidence they need to listen, question, and arrive at their own, informed choices.

Parallel Histories Stormont Debate Conference 2024 – Day 1

At the Stormont debates, students from across Northern Ireland will investigate the controversial histories of Northern Ireland. This workshop is to prepare them for working on sensitive topics with people the same age from across communities. They will focus on collaboratively investigating and then articulating views drawn from sources first from one side and then from the other in conversational debate. In the process they will learn how histories have been constructed and develop the skills and confidence they need to listen, question, and arrive at their own, informed choices.

International Conversation Study Visit Day 3

British Council Northern Ireland is hosting an international delegation from the Baltics during Good Relations Week. The inward visit aims to build connections between stakeholders/policy makers and experts in the areas related to social cohesion/good relations in Northern Ireland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.
The study tour to Northern Ireland brings together policy makers and practitioners who are working on social cohesion strategies and programmes in the three Baltic countries. Participants will use the knowledge acquired during the visit to implement reforms in their respective countries and to foster relationships with Northern Ireland.

International Conversation Study Vist Day 2

British Council Northern Ireland is hosting an International Delegation from the Baltics during Good Relations Week. The inward visit aims to build connections between stakeholders, policy makers and experts in the areas related to social cohesion and good relations in Northern Ireland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.

The study tour to Northern Ireland brings together policy makers and practitioners who are working on social cohesion strategies and programmes in the three Baltic countries. Participants will use the knowledge acquired during the visit to implement reforms in their respective countries and to foster relationships with Northern Ireland.

Fermanagh Churches Forum Annual Good Relations Week Conference

Building CommUNITY  – An intergenerational exploration on working  together towards an inclusive community which respects difference

Speaker: Rev. Greg Alexander,  Darling Street Methodist Church.

Date:    Thursday, 19th September.

Time:     12 noon – 3 pm

Venue:    Bridge Centre, Presbyterian Church, East Bridge Street, Enniskillen

The speaker’s address will be followed by interactive discussion groups, action points, feedback, responses, and a final plenary discussion.

Bringing Young People Together – Stormont Debate

In alignment with Good Relations Week 2024 and its theme of ‘OpportUNITY,’ Parallel Histories is hosting the “Bringing Young People Together – Stormont Debate.” This event will unite young people from diverse backgrounds, including both Protestant and Catholic communities, to engage in a conference-style debate on controversial historical topics. By facilitating dialogue on challenging issues, the event embodies the week’s focus on fostering understanding and collaboration across different perspectives. Join us at Stormont for a meaningful discussion that highlights the potential for positive change through shared engagement and mutual respect.

Centre for Cross Border Studies 24th Annual Conference

We’re delighted to announce that our 24th Annual Conference will be taking place on Thursday 14th September 2023 at the Hilton Belfast.

We will be looking at the grassroots efforts that preceded the Good Friday Agreement that marked its 25th Anniversary this year. Many civic society groups were doing the hard work of cooperation and building understanding, often below the radar or without great acclaim. We want to recognise the important work they did in the years leading up to the Agreement.

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!

CONFERENCE AGENDA

09:00 Networking breakfast

10:00 Welcome

10:15 Panel 1

Chair: Olwen Dawe

Ailbhe Smyth, Bronagh Hinds & Quintin Oliver

11:15 Keynote Speaker

Colin Davidson

12:00 Lunch

13:30 Panel 2: Generously supported by North West Tertiary Education Cluster

Kyra Reynolds, Orla Flynn, Peter Osborne & Joel Keys

14:00 Coffee Break

14:30 Panel 3: Generously supported by Institute of Public Health

Chair: Marie Louise Connolly

Prof Deirdre Heenan, Dr Ann Nolan & Joanne Vance

15:30 Keynote Speaker

Tim O’Connor

16:15 Panel 4

Sharon Haughey-Grimley, Pamela Arthurs, Joe O’Toole & Michael D’Arcy

17:15 Close

18:00 Reception and Journal Launch

18:45 Conference Dinner and Speakers: Tim McGarry and Dr David Hume

Support the Conference
We are once again looking for sponsors who share our commitment to cooperation and improving relations to support our conference. The conference brings together over 100 policymakers, academics, civic society and business leaders; people with a wealth of experience who make an impact. There are a range of packages available here. Contact Nick for more information: n.hanrahan@qub.ac.uk

Joint Forum Meeting

The Community Relations Council will host a joint forum meeting along with the Equality Commission and the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission and all Trusts, BSO and the DOH Equality leads.

This is a closed meeting.