Secretary of State says education key to marking 25th anniversary of Belfast Good Friday Agreement
Secretary of State says education key to marking 25th anniversary of Belfast Good Friday Agreement
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Chris Heaton-Harris has met with young people at Queen鈥檚 University Belfast as he discussed plans to mark the 25th anniversary of the Belfast Good Friday Agreement in 2023.
Mr Heaton-Harris was welcomed today (Wednesday 26 October) by Queen鈥檚 University Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Greer, who discussed the university鈥檚 upcoming programme of events to mark the anniversary. This includes a major international conference organised jointly with the , at Queen鈥檚.
Speaking with students as he visited One Elmwood, Queen鈥檚 University鈥檚 new Student Centre and Students鈥� Union, the Secretary of State highlighted the vital role which education plays in improving understanding and recognition of the transformative role that the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement has played, and continues to play,聽 in Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK.
He stated: 鈥淭he 25th anniversary of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement marks an extraordinary achievement for Northern Ireland, with the Agreement helping to lay the foundation of a more peaceful and prosperous Northern Ireland that we see today.
鈥淚鈥檓 delighted to hear about Queen鈥檚 University Belfast鈥檚 programme, and to discuss with young people what the anniversary means to them - they are key to safeguarding the benefits of the Agreement for the next generation.
鈥淭his anniversary moment provides us with a great opportunity to ensure that young people in Northern Ireland, and across the entirety of the UK, are well informed and can fully engage with the progress that has been made since the signing of the Agreement.
Queen鈥檚 University鈥檚 President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ian Greer, said:
鈥淨ueen鈥檚 University Belfast is honoured to be the host the signature event to mark the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Good Friday Agreement.
鈥淲ith current world leaders, as well as architects of the original Agreement, coming to Belfast to mark the anniversary it is fitting that it takes place in an institution which places social and civic responsibility at the heart of what it does.
鈥淚n partnership with the Senator George J. Mitchell Institute for Global Peace,Security and Justice, the three day conference will offer a unique opportunity to both reflect on the achievements of the Agreement and to discuss the challenges and solutions needed to drive forward a peaceful and prosperous future for the region.鈥�
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