Some of the world’s leading peacemakers were in attendance at a flagship event marking ten years since the Good Friday/Belfast Agreement was signed.

The Mitchell Conference at Queen’s University Belfast saw leading figures from Northern Ireland politics, academia and other sectors come together to explore the theme ‘Moving on from Conflict
Lessons from Northern Ireland’.

As one of the principal sponsors Chairman of Cooperation Ireland Mr. Christopher Moran welcomed delegates describing Senator Mitchell as a valued member of the Board of Co-operation Ireland (US) Inc and said it was fitting the conference recognised his continuing contribution to Northern Ireland.

The conference was addressed by the Secretary of State Rt. Hon Shaun Woodward MP and Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs Michael Martin T.D. Inaugural Northern Ireland First Minister & Deputy First Ministers David Trimble and Seamus Mallon were amongst those who contributed as well as former President of Ireland Mrs Mary Robinson.

The highlight of the conference was the conferring of Honorary Doctorates upon former Prime Minister Tony Blair, and former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern by Queen’s University for their distinction in public service and their roles in the peace process.

All-Party Talks Chairman Senator George Mitchell addressed delegates on the central theme, and the keynote address was delivered at the gala dinner by human-rights campaigner and Nobel Laureate Archbishop Dr. Desmond Tutu.