Menu
04/12/2003
Conference to tackle community and political relations
The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland has organised a get together of community activists to discuss their relations with local political representatives.
Experts from across the world arrived in the province for the two day 'think-in' which is taking place at a "peace building" conference in the Hilton Hotel, Templepatrick on Thursday and Friday.
Avila Kilmurray, Director Community Foundation for Northern Ireland, said: "The two roles of the politicians and the community activists are complementary but not identical.
"Northern Ireland has a very active voluntary and community sector that offers a unique input to the difficult local problems. But the community sector cannot substitute for the place of the political dialogue."
Harvard University specialist, Jim Cooney, will offer Northern Ireland the conclusions of his work on a key project examining ‘Justice in times of transition’ and Naomi Chazan, former Deputy Speaker in the Israeli Parliament, brings the lessons of the tensions in that part of the world.
Joining them will be Roelf Meyer, former minister of Defence and Minister of Constitutional Affairs in South Africa and Chief Negotiator in De Klerk’s Government at the Multi Party Negotiating Forum, who will outline, from his South African experience, how common goals and co-operation between politicians and community representatives can be identified and strengthened.
"Northern Ireland faces an uncertain future for its devolved Assembly," Avila Kilmurray said. "The Community Foundation for NI recognises that this poses questions where politicians can be offered the assistance of an influential community sector.
‘These are challenges that we have faced before and must continue to face as we work together to build a sustainable peace, which is exactly the theme of this timely conference," she concluded.
(MB)
Experts from across the world arrived in the province for the two day 'think-in' which is taking place at a "peace building" conference in the Hilton Hotel, Templepatrick on Thursday and Friday.
Avila Kilmurray, Director Community Foundation for Northern Ireland, said: "The two roles of the politicians and the community activists are complementary but not identical.
"Northern Ireland has a very active voluntary and community sector that offers a unique input to the difficult local problems. But the community sector cannot substitute for the place of the political dialogue."
Harvard University specialist, Jim Cooney, will offer Northern Ireland the conclusions of his work on a key project examining ‘Justice in times of transition’ and Naomi Chazan, former Deputy Speaker in the Israeli Parliament, brings the lessons of the tensions in that part of the world.
Joining them will be Roelf Meyer, former minister of Defence and Minister of Constitutional Affairs in South Africa and Chief Negotiator in De Klerk’s Government at the Multi Party Negotiating Forum, who will outline, from his South African experience, how common goals and co-operation between politicians and community representatives can be identified and strengthened.
"Northern Ireland faces an uncertain future for its devolved Assembly," Avila Kilmurray said. "The Community Foundation for NI recognises that this poses questions where politicians can be offered the assistance of an influential community sector.
‘These are challenges that we have faced before and must continue to face as we work together to build a sustainable peace, which is exactly the theme of this timely conference," she concluded.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
01 July 2024
Fibrus Supports Over 30 Northern Irish Community Groups
Over 30 Northern Irish community groups are receiving grants from Fibrus this year to improve internet and digital technology access across the region.
Fibrus Supports Over 30 Northern Irish Community Groups
Over 30 Northern Irish community groups are receiving grants from Fibrus this year to improve internet and digital technology access across the region.
25 June 2002
Shock report shows sectarianism amongst kids
By the age of three, Catholic children are already twice as likely to say they don’t like the police compared to Protestant children according to the findings of a new report.
Shock report shows sectarianism amongst kids
By the age of three, Catholic children are already twice as likely to say they don’t like the police compared to Protestant children according to the findings of a new report.
29 May 2008
Welcome For Antrim Project's Job Creation
A new community-based develoment which is creating employment opportunities in Co Antrim has been welcomed by the NI Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie. She helped to launch the new, mixed-use resource and business project in Antrim town.
Welcome For Antrim Project's Job Creation
A new community-based develoment which is creating employment opportunities in Co Antrim has been welcomed by the NI Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie. She helped to launch the new, mixed-use resource and business project in Antrim town.
20 February 2003
Minister praises community peacebuilders
Voluntary and Community groups have shown great courage and endurance in peace building and community development in difficult areas across Northern Ireland, Des Browne, the Minister with responsibility for Social Development, said today.
Minister praises community peacebuilders
Voluntary and Community groups have shown great courage and endurance in peace building and community development in difficult areas across Northern Ireland, Des Browne, the Minister with responsibility for Social Development, said today.
24 February 2022
SDLP Calls On Every Political Party To Stand With Ukraine
The invasion of Ukraine is the greatest test of European Solidarity of the last 70 years, SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood has said.
SDLP Calls On Every Political Party To Stand With Ukraine
The invasion of Ukraine is the greatest test of European Solidarity of the last 70 years, SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood has said.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
