International peace conference marks Good Friday/Belfast agreement

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British Council’s international Peace and Beyond conference will be held in Belfast next month to mark the 20th anniversary of the Good Friday/Belfast Agreement.

Taking place from April 10-12 on the 20th anniversary of the Good Friday/Belfast Agreement, the conference provides an opportunity to look beyond Northern Ireland – and towards other international models of peacebuilding in countries including South Africa, Colombia, Lebanon, and the Western Balkans.

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Lord Alderdice: entrench the Principles of the GFA in the EU Withdraw Bill

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Our Chairman Lord Alderdice, together with Chris Patten (Conservative), Angela Smith (Labour) and Onora O’Neill (Cross-Bench) put down an amendment to the Bill to entrench the Principles of the Good Friday Agreement. Here is why Lord Alderdice felt it was necessary –

European Union (Withdrawal) Bill

21 March 2018 Volume 790

House of Lords, Committee (9th Day)

Lord Alderdice (LD): My Lords, I am very grateful to the noble Lord, Lord Patten of Barnes, not only for the passionate and articulate way in which he introduced the debate on this group of amendments—particularly Amendment 261—but also for the lifetime of commitment that he has given to the issues of Northern Ireland. That length of commitment speaks a great deal to me, as someone from that part of the United Kingdom.  Read more

CDPB to host TEDxStormont Salon on Inspired Life

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Come to share, experience and interact with stimulating ideas for an inspired life.

At our first TEDxStormont Salon event we will watch TED Talks, host a few live speakers and spark discussion about the talks we’ve witnessed. It will take place on Saturday, 7 April from 10am to 3.30pm in the Long Gallery, Parliament Buildings, Stormont.

We will draw on our wisdom and our limitless imagination and consider the synergy of the mind, body and spirit. We will explore how to live in a more harmonious and sustainable way.

We will close with a yoga inspired practice for Every Body curated by Dr Elizabeth Welty, educator and Flow Studio founder.

Tickets available at

Music Unite: A night of music and friendship

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Centre for Democracy and Peace Building was delighted to host Music Unite event in The Duncairn as a part of Imagine Belfast Festival of Politics and Ideas. The event brought together Patrick Ayrton – internationally renowned conductor, harpsichordist, organist and professor at the Royal Conservatoire of The Hague and celebrated German violinist Daniela Helm with Cormeen Rising Sons of William flute band for a very special night of music and friendship.

The evening included an amazing performance by Frasier Hickland, a 19-year-old pianist and organist from Lisburn and fascinating talk by the award-winning author Clare Mulley about Krystyna Skarbek, Britain’s first female special agent during WWII.

We also celebrated the success of ‘For Your Freedom and Ours’ shared history programme with Maciek Bator.

This project is supported by the Executive Office’s Together Building United Community programme.

Read our Music Unite report HERE.