Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

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Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from the Centre for Democracy and Peace team

As we gather with loved ones to celebrate this festive season, let us take a moment to reflect on the world we share. We live in a world that can often feel divided, cruel, and unfair.

Yet, kindness, compassion, and empathy are gifts we all can give this Christmas; gifts that are capable of healing divides and rekindling the shared humanity that unites us.

At the Centre for Democracy and Peace we remain steadfast in our commitment to building a better future for all. We believe in the transformative power of small acts of kindness, meaningful collaboration, and a shared dedication to the greater good.

As we look ahead to 2025, let us make peace our greatest wish – a peace that begins within ourselves, radiates into our communities, and reaches every corner of the globe.

Thank you to all of our partners, colleagues, and members for your continued and vital support that make the work of CDP possible.

Merry Christmas, and may 2025 bring healing, harmony, and joy.

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Fellows reflect at midway point of Centre for Democracy and Peace’s Leadership Programme

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Reflecting at the midway point of this year’s Centre for Democracy and Peace Fellowship Programme, this year’s Fellows have described an “infectious enthusiasm” for collaboration and innovate thinking as they tackle Northern Ireland’s most pressing political, business, and civic challenges.

The Centre for Democracy and Peace’s 2024/25 Fellows pictured with CDP CEO Eva Grosman at Allstate NI in Belfast.

The current Fellowship is the largest cohort to date—28 leaders representing a diverse range of sectors. These include MLAs and councillors from the world of politics, CEOs and directors from the business world, as well as participants from charities, health, education, and the civil service.

So far, the Fellows have participated in the Oxford residential and sessions such as design thinking , climate and sustainability, and Good Governance and the Nolan Principles of Public Service with Daniel Greenberg CB, Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards and Privileges.

Through these bespoke sessions delivered by experts in their fields, the Fellows have been challenged to step outside their comfort zones and embrace the spirit of possibility, tackling critical issues such as climate and energy, policy, and governance. They have also been working on group projects, which they will present at the end of the seven-month programme. These challenges focus on supporting the arts, improving transport accessibility, changing the culture around political campaigns and elections, and campaigning for skills development in rural communities.

The Fellowship now boasts 98 alumni who contribute more effectively to society thanks to the relationships they have built through the programme.

One of the Fellows, Scott Carson, Constituency Office Manager for Education Minister Paul Givan MLA (DUP), shared:

“From the launch right through until today, the enthusiasm has been really infectious. The residential in Oxford was brilliant—it was a great time to meet the new Fellows, learn about each other, and realise that, regardless of our roles, we’re all on the same level. CEOs, private sector professionals, public sector participants, and those involved in politics—it was fascinating to learn from their experiences.”

“The programme’s sessions have challenged me personally, and I know others in the cohort feel the same. We left Oxford with new tools to apply in our respective organisations. Working on group projects has been a new challenge, and we’re really settling into them now. The projects we’re currently working on are all very different but equally interesting. It’ll be fascinating to see how they progress.”

“Sessions with NIE Networks and Camlin Group, and at Allstate NI last month have been intense but rewarding. The combination of theory and practical application has given us new ideas and concepts to approach our work differently. It’s been incredibly busy, but the journey has been thoroughly enjoyable.”

Cahir Hughes, Head of The Electoral Commission Northern Ireland, shared insights into his group’s project:

“Our project focuses on changing the culture around elections and political campaigns. Unfortunately, we’ve seen increasing toxicity in campaigns, with candidates and elected representatives facing horrendous abuse and intimidation.”

“Our group is tackling this issue by bringing together people from diverse sectors to find solutions and present them to government. Tackling these behaviours is a massive task, but I’m optimistic we can make a difference.”

“One unexpected benefit of the Fellowship has been the friendships I’ve developed. Being around other leaders and hearing how they approach challenges has helped grow my confidence in leadership and decision-making.”

Jane McCooey, Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer at Morgan Stanley, said:

“The Fellowship Programme has exceeded my already high expectations. The people are amazing, inspiring, and collaborative. I live in New York, so coming back and hearing about the incredible work being done in Northern Ireland makes me feel connected—it’s exactly why I joined.”

“I’m passionate about the diaspora’s role in giving back to Northern Ireland. Learning about what people here are doing inspires me to explore nonprofit work and think about how I can contribute. My group’s challenge on supporting the arts scene is especially exciting—we want to make a tangible impact by raising awareness and support for Northern Ireland’s artists.”

Reflecting on the programme’s progress, Darragh McCarthy, Chair of the Fellowship Programme’s Advisory Board and CEO of FinTrU, said:

“We’ve never had greater momentum. This is our largest cohort, with 28 Fellows who are gelling incredibly well. The Fellowship Programme is a breeding ground for optimism. Everyone involved believes in a better Northern Ireland and is eager to contribute to that vision.”

“We’re looking forward to the second half of the programme, including a Dublin residential and the graduation in Hillsborough in March. With almost 100 alumni already, the momentum is strong, and we’re excited about the future.”

The Centre for Democracy and Peace’s Fellowship Programme is supported by Northern Irish businesses, including Allstate NI, Camlin Group, FinTrU, Fujitsu NI, NIE Networks, and Ulster Carpets. It also receives backing from the Irish Department for Foreign Affairs and the Irish American Partnership.

Laurence Simms, Joint Secretary to the British-Irish Intergovernmental Secretariat, commented:

“The Fellowship Programme is well-designed to bring together professionals at pivotal career stages, fostering connections and fresh perspectives whilst challenging them through its activities.”

“We’ve supported reconciliation work for 40 years, and this programme feels modern, forward-looking, and focused on today’s challenges. It addresses systemic gaps and inertia, building a sustainable basis for an inclusive future in Northern Ireland and beyond.”

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Leadership and Climate

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In 2022, the Northern Ireland Assembly passed its first Climate Change Act, which set a target for a 100% reduction in net greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. To meet this and other climate-related goals, leaders across a wide range of sectors—including business, government, agriculture, transportation, finance, and tourism—must work together to find sustainable, innovative, and fair solutions.

by Nicole Fintel

Last month, the Centre for Democracy and Peace hosted a conference that explored the intersection of climate change and democracy. Professor John Sweeney of Maynooth University explained that climate degradation, loss of land due to rising sea levels, and resource scarcity can lead to civil unrest and the destabilization of democracy. Additionally, climate change can lead to international conflict by increasing tensions between countries that produce the majority of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions (primarily in the Global North) and countries that suffer most from the impacts of greenhouse gas emissions (primarily in the Global South).

Likewise, Professor John Barry—a Co-Director of the Centre for Sustainability, Equality, and Climate Action at Queen’s University Belfast—emphasized that democracy in times of climate change requires a “just transition” to clean energy and sustainable practices. To achieve this “just transition,” according to Professor Barry, climate leaders need to:

  • Co-create transformation with all stakeholders, including businesses, farmers, policymakers, consumers, and faith communities
  • Create change with those affected, rather than impose change on those affected
  • Generate and maintain trust with communities and stakeholders
  • Learn from previous large-scale transformations, such as the implementation of the National Health Service
  • Democratize decision-making

    • Leaders must also address the societal disparities that are exacerbated by the climate crisis. The United Nations reports that women and children are 14 times more likely to die in natural disasters than men, and approximately 80% of individuals displaced by climate change are women and girls. Similarly, countries, communities, and individuals with limited access to wealth, healthcare, education, and infrastructure tend to be disproportionately harmed by the impacts of climate change.

    With effective climate leadership, the transition to net zero will be viewed not only as a means to secure a habitable and healthy planet for future generations, but as an opportunity to build a more just, prosperous, and inclusive economy and society.

    Nicole Fintel is a Pforzheimer Public Service Fellow, Harvard College, and Programme Co-Ordinator for CDP.

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    Fellows 2024-25

    Politicians, senior business leaders and public servants among 28 leaders announced as fourth cohort of the Fellowship Programme

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    A dynamic group of leaders from Northern Ireland society has been officially announced as the fourth cohort of the Centre for Democracy and Peace’s Fellowship Programme to reimagine leadership in Northern Ireland.

    Twenty-eight people who are already contributing significantly in political, business, civic society and public sector were selected after a competitive process to find the next stand-out leaders in the region.

    They were officially sworn in as the Class of 2025 in a special event at the Long Gallery at Parliament Buildings on Tuesday morning which was attended by First Minister Michelle O’Neill MLA and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly MLA.

    The event was hosted by motivational speaker David Meade who got the new cohort into the spirit of collaboration with a unique team building exercise that saw them build prosthetic hands which will be donated to amputees in developing countries as part of the Give a Hand programme.

    This year saw another record number of applications for the Fellowship Programme, and the 28 people selected represent a diverse range of sectors with MLAs and councillors from the world of politics, CEOs and directors in the business world, as well as charities, health, education and civil service all represented.

    Over the seven-month programme, Fellows will harness the spirit of possibility, deepen their capacity and navigate through complexity by engaging with important issues.

    The Fellowship Programme is supported by the Department for Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the Irish American Partnership, as well as some of Northern Ireland’s biggest employers including Allstate NI, Camlin Group, FinTrU, Fujitsu NI, NIE Networks and Ulster Carpets.

    Congratulating this year’s Fellowship cohort,  First Minister Michelle O’Neill said:

    “I want to congratulate the Centre for Democracy and Peace Building for delivering this innovative Fellowship Programme. It is brilliant to see that leaders from across society are being supported in this way and given this opportunity to develop their knowledge and skills. Everything we do must also be about building a better future and improving the lives of everyone who lives here. As leaders we all have a responsibility to create hope, opportunity, and meaningful change.”

    Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said:

    “Congratulations to the leaders taking part in this year’s Fellowship Programme. This programme is aimed at inspiring the next generation of leaders who will be instrumental when it comes to building a future defined by peace and prosperity. I have no doubt participants will develop the skills they need to help deliver real change for the benefit of everyone and I look forward to hearing about their progress in the months ahead.”

    Chair of Centre for Democracy and Peace, Baroness Margaret Ritchie said of the Fellowship Programme’s commencement:

    “I welcome all the participants on this year’s Fourth Fellowship Programme which offers an opportunity for all participants to develop their leadership skills and expertise, working with colleagues from across a wide variety of disciplines both in the public and private sector as well as civic society.

    “The Fellowship offers an opportunity through such expert training to ensure that all those taking part can help to strengthen our democratic institutions in N Ireland with a renewed sense of confidence and vigour. That is the real value of the Fellowship Programme.”

    Fellowship Advisory Board Chair, Darragh McCarthy, added:

    “We are delighted to be celebrating the launch of the 2024/25 Centre for Democracy and Peace’s Fellowship Programme. This year’s cohort sees leaders from a range of professional and community backgrounds come together to embark on an exciting journey – focusing on our shared sense of responsibility and opportunity.

    “It is an honour to have been appointed the Chair of the Fellowship Programme Advisory Board and I am excited for this year’s edition. The spirit of possibility that the fellows will be able to harness through our bespoke sessions and residentials will empower these leaders from across the political, business, and civic sectors.

    “As we enter the fourth year of the Fellowship Programme, I wish the 2024/25 fellows the very best of luck and look forward to working with them over the course of the coming months.”

    Reimagining leadership: being open to insight will help us pave the way to a brighter future

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    Dorinnia Carville, Comptroller and Auditor General, Northern Ireland Audit Office

    Leadership is often perceived as a final destination, a pinnacle reached after years of experience and hard work. However, I believe it’s how you approach the journey that sets you apart and to be an agent for change you must embrace opportunities to learn from others.

    I gained great insight and perspective from taking part on a recent development programme. The power of collaboration across sectors was evident on the Centre for Democracy and Peace Building’s Fellowship Programme. Participants have the unique opportunity to engage with professionals from various sectors — community, business, political, and more — creating a rich tapestry of expertise and insights.

    Meeting people from a range of sectors that I wouldn't ordinarily deal with made me realise that they are dealing with the same issues. There was lots of shared learning.

    This cross-sector networking is particularly valuable in a place like Northern Ireland, a region so small that there is no excuse for silo working and not having joined up approaches to societal challenges.

    I found working with people at different career stages to be a formative experience. I probably learned most from some of the people who were at the early stages of their career because they just had very different approaches, very different ways of looking at things.

    This made me appreciate the traits of modern leadership: the ability to adapt and integrate new perspectives, especially from younger generations who bring fresh ideas and a deeper understanding of contemporary tools and trends. It’s a reminder that effective leadership is not just about imparting knowledge, but also about being open to receiving it from all quarters.

    A transformative approach to leadership is what is needed in Northern Ireland if we are to progress past the usual stumbling blocks. By valuing continuous learning, embracing cross-sector collaboration, and integrating fresh perspectives, we can reimagine and redefine what it means to lead in today’s society and pave the way for a brighter future.

    To learn more about the Fellowship Programme and apply, visit our website.

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    An opportunity to reimagine leadership: Northern Irish leaders urged to apply for Fellowship

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    The Centre for Democracy and Peace Building has opened applications for its 2024/25 Fellowship Programme for leaders in politics, business, and civic society in Northern Ireland.

    The Centre for Democracy and Peace Building has opened applications for its 2024/25 Fellowship Programme for leaders in politics, business, and civic society in Northern Ireland.

    Now in its fourth year, the Fellowship Programme has over 70 alumni, including Finance Minister Caoimhe Archibald MLA. It invites 24 ambitious leaders on a seven-month journey to reimagine and pave a new, prosperous future for Northern Ireland. The programme seeks to support the peace process, foster innovation and capacity building, and encourage collaborative decision-making so that leaders across society are strengthened and equipped to navigate complexity and deliver real change for the benefit of all.

    The Fellowship Programme is supported by the Department for Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the Irish American Partnership, as well as some of Northern Ireland’s biggest employers including Allstate NI, Camlin Group, FinTrU, Fujitsu NI, NIE Networks and Ulster Carpets. The programme aims to support and equip participants to take on some of Northern Ireland’s most complex political, business, and civic challenges.

    Through bespoke sessions delivered by leaders in the top of their field including Oxford academics and diplomats, Fellows are challenged to step outside of their comfort zone and harness the spirit of possibility, tackling important issues such as climate and energy, policy and governance as well as taking part in the popular residential sessions at the University of Oxford and in Dublin.

    This year’s Fellowship Programme was launched by the First and deputy First Ministers and Fellowship Advisory Board Chair, Darragh McCarthy at Parliament Buildings.

    They were joined by alumni from last year’s programme; Cheryl Brownlee MLA for East Antrim, Jason Bunting, Parliamentary Advisor to Sinéad McLaughlin MLA, Dorinnia Carville, Comptroller and Auditor General at the Northern Ireland Audit Office, Gareth Edwards, Vice President for Compliance at FinTrU, Deborah Erskine MLA for Fermanagh and South Tyrone, Róisín Wood, CEO of Community Foundation NI, Chloe Ferguson, President of the National Union of Students UK in Northern Ireland, Áine Murphy MLA for Fermanagh and South Tyrone and Amy Gribbon, Manager of Forthspring Inter Community Group.

    Fellowship Advisory Board Chair, Darragh McCarthy, said:
    “The Fellowship Programme speaks for itself as a fantastic platform for ambitious Northern Ireland leaders, as witnessed by the talented group of people at this year’s launch at Stormont and our partners are proud once again to support the scheme for another year. It is brilliant to have the support of the First and deputy First Ministers for this important programme, to recognise the potential in bringing these cohorts together to spark new conversations about the future of Northern Ireland. I look forward to seeing what unique and varied skills the next Fellows will bring and how they will shape each other for the better as leaders in society.”

    Applications for the 2024/25 Fellowship Programme will close on Wednesday 19 June. To apply or to find out more, please email fellowship@democracyandpeace.org or visit: fellowship.democracyandpeace.org

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    Fellowship 2023/24 Graduation

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    On Thursday 14th April, we were honoured to join our 2023/24 Fellows at Hillsborough Castle for their graduation ceremony.

    On Thursday 14th April, we were honoured to join our 2023/24 Fellows at Hillsborough Castle for their graduation ceremony.

    It was an evening of celebration, as we looked back on the Fellows’ meaningful and insightful contributions over the last year. It was heartwarming to see so many close relationships and connections made throughout the Fellowship which will continue to thrive in the future.

    The CDPB team would like to personally congratulate all of the Fellows. We are humbled and inspired by your commitment to making change and we cannot wait to see the impact you will continue to make for all in Northern Ireland.

     

    Fellowship Programme session at FinTrU

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    Our latest Fellowship Programme session was hosted by FinTrU on February 22.

    We are grateful to deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn MP, and the US Consul General James Applegate for contributing to the morning’s events. We were all thrilled to have them join us and hear their inspiring words.

    Fellows were also treated to an insightful seminar and discussion from Fellowship Programme partner Ulster Carpets on adapting and leading in an evolving global market.

    Many thanks must also go to FinTrU CEO and advisory board member Darragh McCarthy for leading an engaging and entertaining session on entrepreneurship as well as hosting the session.

    The day was rounded off by presentations by our Fellows on their Design Thinking projects that have been carried out throughout the duration of the 2023/24 programme. Our Fellows presented on education, engaging young people in democracy, and climate action in the local community.

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    Fellows travel to Dublin for residential

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    Following on from our Fellowship Programme session in December with Bauer Media NI, Newtownards, our Fellows travelled down to Dublin for the next instalment of the 2023/24 programme.

    The Fellows were treated to a fascinating series of discussions focusing on leadership in reconciliation and the arts, including members from the Houses of the Oireachtas, The Irish Times, Royal Irish Academy, Irish Museum of Modern Arts, Citi Bank, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ciarán Ó Cuinn, and Tim O’Connor.

    We would like to offer our thanks to our Fellows for a fantastic and constructive residential and to our colleagues and hosts for their support and hospitality.

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