People feel increasingly fearful and insecure in a world where old certainties have disappeared, societies are less stable and the rapid and unpredictable change that is exciting for some is now frightening for many. Using his professional background as a psychiatrist and his experience in dealing with conflict and especially violence in various parts of the world, Lord Alderdice will provide a somewhat controversial analysis of why he believes the global community is spinning down into chaotic violence, and how we need to radically change our approach if we are to begin to provide a sense of security for our people.

For more information visit www.rising.org

CDPB hosted Dr Eugen Koh in Belfast last week, following his visit to Northern Ireland in September 2015.

Reflecting on the visit Dr Koh said:

“May I thank the Centre for Democracy and Peace Building for inviting me back to Belfast. I have always been very conscious of myself as an outsider: and what would an outsider know? While I am more than ready to concede my ignorance, I hope that my genuine interest and impartiality have helped me to understand the complexities and suffering of Northern Ireland. My visit last year left me in no doubt the fragility of the present peace and also the enormous work already being undertaken by so many to make it long lasting, and usually with so little resources. I have been humbled by the sacrifice of the so many, and have wondered throughout this visit ‘why am I here and what can I offer, really?

The aim of this visit, my third to Northern Ireland has been to understand the art sector and its contribution to the extensive endless effort in building peace. I have seen again and again so much important work that are being done. Following this visit, I am more convinced than ever than the work of the art sector is critical to the overall effort being undertaken in the broad community. In my public lecture “Art, Trauma and Cultural Change’ at the Golden Thread Gallery I tried to put forward the reasons why art is so important not only to overcome the trauma of the Troubles but also to facilitate the cultural change necessary for moving forward. I am very grateful to the many who have spoken to me about their work and shared their view of the situation in Northern Ireland. I leave Belfast troubled, with many questions.

It appears to me that the dominant narrative is one of difference and segregation. Any suggestion of commonality seemed threatening. Why is there such a retreat into an overwhelming emphasis of difference? Why is the possibility of commonality so feared? I believe that difference is very important as it gives us a sense of self and identity, and therefore, security. But then, how can we engage with ‘the other’ in peace without commonality? We need both difference and commonality. Can we have both ? And if we can, how do we find the delicate balance between difference and commonality? I think these questions invite vital conversations, vital to building lasting peace. While I think these conversations are necessary across communities and sectors, I believe the art sector can play a vital role in helping everyone to have such conversations in the most sensitive and powerful way. Is there a role for an outsider like myself in such difficult conversations, I wonder?”

You can read Dr Koh paper “Art, healing and Northern Ireland” HERE.

To coincide with Community Relations and Cultural Awareness Week, the Centre for Democracy and Peace Building will host series of community screenings of ‘Born and Reared’ across Northern Ireland. It will include Q&As and workshops with film makers Hen Norton and Dan Dennison.

‘Born and Reared’ is a moving documentary that explores contemporary Northern Ireland, through the lives of four men living in the aftermath of violent conflict; a story about re-imagined identity of place and the fragility of masculinity.

Contextualised by the country’s past the film is firmly rooted in the Northern Ireland of today as a population struggles to come to terms with the horrors and the sacrifices of its past and the men turn to face a future defined by their hopes, rather than regret.

Filmed over a year with the men in and around their homes, the filmmakers focussed on the stories that took place long after the cameras had left the news story that was Northern Ireland.

In a society where masculinity has long been measured in violence and aggression, what happens to the identities of men when the Troubles end and the roles previously held are no longer accepted or needed?

Public screening:

Monday, 19 September at 6.30pm | Queen’s Film Theatre, Belfast |Tickets £4

To book tickets please go to: https://queensfilmtheatre.ticketsolve.com/#/shows/873561134

For information about community screenings please contact Susan McEwen at susanmcewen@icloud.com.

About Community Relations and Cultural Awareness Week

This year’s Community Relations and Cultural Awareness Week will take place between 19th and 25th September, 2016.

Supporting the Together: Building a United Community strategy, it is an opportunity to celebrate all aspects of our culture and heritage, promote cultural diversity and tackle sectarianism and racism.

The Week provides a platform for organisations and groups from the community and voluntary
sectors, arts, culture, sport, education and the wider public sector to showcase innovative approaches to good relations and building a united and shared community.

The theme for this year is Building the Future Together and will focus particularly on youth and looking at how all members of our society can shape the future to be a positive space in which our diversity is celebrated.

The Centre for Democracy and Peace Building (CDPB) launched the next phase of their EU Debate NI Programme this morning with an event hosted by Ulster Bank.

In partnership with Professor David Phinnemore and Dr Lee McGowan from Queen’s University Belfast, the Centre has produced a paper entitled “After the referendum: Establishing the best outcome for Northern Ireland”.

Following the decision of the UK to leave the EU, the paper explores where we are, the potential options for Northern Ireland and the issues that we must consider in NI as a result of this referendum.

Conor Houston, Programme Director at CDPB said “The decision of the UK electorate was to change the relationship between the UK and EU.  That is why CDPB are continuing our important work with EU Debate NI. Now more than ever we need to have an informed and inclusive conversation across the private, public and community sectors to understand the practical implications of the decision to leave the EU and how to achieve an outcome that is in the interests of all people.  This means carefully debating the kind of relationship we want to have with the EU and exploring new relationships with other countries around the world.”

He continued “CDPB acknowledge the support of the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust who have generously supported the EU Debate NI programme and without whom we would not have been able to continue our important work with this programme”.

CDPB are currently developing an online toolkit allowing interested individuals and groups to understand the issues and to help host events that allow communities to consider the kind of relationships they envisage with the EU.

Professor David Phinnemore told an audience from across the private, public and community sectors: “The outcome of the EU referendum has created considerable uncertainty about the future of the UK’s relationship with the EU. It has raised questions about how any new relationship will be negotiated and whether and how it can satisfactorily accommodate the interests and preferences of the people of Northern Ireland. There are many issues at stake and many unanswered questions. It is important that the range of challenges is fully recognised, solutions identified and the priorities for Northern Ireland effectively promoted such that the best possible outcome to the prospect of Brexit is secured.”

The paper is available to download at www.democracyandpeace.org/publications