Northern Ireland has benefited from over £175 million in philanthropic grants towards peacebuilding and social justice according to the Association of Charitable Foundations.

This investment and the impact of philanthropy on peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland will be amongst topics discussed at a major conference taking place in Belfast from 6-8 June. Jeff Raikes, CEO of the world's largest philanthropic organisation, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, will address more than 500 delegates at the 23rd European Foundation Centre Annual Conference. The theme of the conference is the role of philanthropy in achieving peace through social justice.   

John R Healy, Conference Host Committee Chair and Chairman, Philanthropy Ireland, said: "Belfast has emerged from thirty years of conflict to establish itself as an exciting destination. The city provides the perfect location for lively discussions on how philanthropy can help divided communities resolve their differences.

"The conference will explore the social justice approach to philanthropy and its relevance to divided societies. Foundations active in Northern Ireland over the last three decades have learned that grant-making has the greatest impact when it is focused on those who are most marginalized and those who advocate for social change."

Looking ahead to the conference Avila Kilmurray Director of The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland said: "The conference will use Belfast’s historic backdrop to explore global peace and social justice issues. Innovative conference sessions and inspiring site visits will enable delegates to understand how a former conflict zone can move from a violent past to a vibrant present and they will learn how foundations can play a key role in supporting this process."

A host of world class speakers will join Jeff Raikes, including celebrated South African judge and human rights activist Albie Sachs. Providing a local focus, Jackie Redpath, CEO Greater Shankill Partnership and Geraldine McAteer CEO West Belfast Partnership will be sharing their experiences of how they worked to secure peace through social justice and how foundations supported their efforts.

It is the first time that the conference has been held in the UK for 19 years and Belfast beat off stiff competition from a number of key European destinations to host the event. The conference will be the essential meeting place for foundation professionals from Europe and around the world to share experiences and to debate peace and social justice and other pressing philanthropic topics

(CD)