Upcoming conference ‘prime opportunity’ to discuss future NI challenges

A conference being held this month is to explore the challenges facing the future of Northern Ireland.

Politicians, academics, members of civil society, international representatives and young people from the region are due to attend the event.

Organised by the Northern Ireland Office, the Foreign Office and Wilton Park, sessions will focus on the future of integrated education and skills development in Northern Ireland, as well as the remaining challenges affecting reconciliation and post-conflict transformation.

Discussions will centre around realising Northern Ireland’s potential, asking questions about what needs to change in the region over the coming years to fully achieve the hopes and ambitions of its young people.

Secretary of State Brandon Lewis said: “Ahead of the 25th anniversary of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement next year, and against the backdrop of the recent elections, this is a prime opportunity to explore what needs to happen over the coming years to build on the enormous progress we’ve seen for peace and prosperity in Northern Ireland.

“I am particularly looking forward to hearing from – and being challenged by – young people about their hopes for the future of Northern Ireland.

“This conference offers a unique opportunity for decision-makers and opinion-formers to generate new ideas and to explore different perspectives on how we achieve a more confident, inclusive Northern Ireland.”

The event, which runs from June 22-24, follows on from Northern Ireland’s 2021 centenary year ahead of next year’s 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.

Representatives from Northern Ireland, the rest of the UK, Ireland and the US will meet at Wiston House, the home of Wilton Park, situated in the South Downs National Park.

Wilton Park was established as part of an initiative inspired by Winston Churchill, and its mandate includes discussions on how to promote peace, reconciliation and understanding.