Business Leaders Unite for Launch of Northern Ireland’s Leading Fellowship Programme

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An influential group of business leaders from across Northern Ireland have come together to launch the fifth year of the acclaimed Centre for Democracy and Peace Fellowship Programme.
The Class of 2026, comprising of 28 Fellows from political, business, public, and civic society sectors, will take part in a seven-month journey designed to build a powerful network of cross-sector collaboration.
The programme is built on the belief that the most pressing challenges facing Northern Ireland can only be addressed when leaders from different sectors work together, share expertise, and innovate collectively.
The Fellows were officially sworn in at commencement event at Stormont yesterday, Wednesday 3 September, which was attended by deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, hosted by Mark Davenport and sponsored by past fellow, Cheryl Brownlee MLA.
The event opened with keynote remarks from deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly and Darragh McCarthy, chair of the Centre for Democracy and Peace, who welcomed this year’s fellowship cohort, and an engaging panel session with advisory board members, before moving into team-building sessions led by Andrew Toogood and concluding with a lively alumni panel discussion.
This year’s cohort reflects the highest number of applications in the programme’s history. The successful candidates represent a diverse cross-section of society, from councillors to CEOs and business leaders, alongside representatives from charities, education, health, and the civil service.
The Fellowship is supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, as well as leading employers including Camlin Group, FinTrU, Fujitsu NI, NIE Networks, Ulster Carpets, Allstate NI, and the Irish American Partnership.
Cheryl Brownlee MLA, and Fellowship alumni said:
“It was a pleasure to host the launch of the 2025/26 Fellowship Programme. The Fellowship Programme was a transformative experience that challenged me to think differently, collaborate more deeply, and lead with greater purpose. It’s an invaluable opportunity for anyone committed to shaping a better future for Northern Ireland.”
 
Fellowship Advisory Board Chair, Darragh McCarthy, added:
“Now in its fifth year, the Fellowship Programme continues to be a powerful platform for ambitious leaders in Northern Ireland, and today’s diverse group of Fellows shows just how much appetite there is for collaboration across politics, business and wider society. Our partners are proud to support the programme once again and to see it go from strength to strength.
It is inspiring to have the backing of the deputy First Ministers recognising the value of bringing leaders together to tackle challenges and spark fresh ideas about the future of Northern Ireland.”
ENDS//..
Photo Caption: (L-R) Cllr Kathleen McGurk, Sinn Féin; Darragh McCarthy, Chair, Centre for Democracy and Peace; deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly; Laurence Simms, Department of Foreign Affairs; Eva Grosman, CEO Centre for Democracy and Peace; Steven Mills, NI Football League. 

Meet Northern Ireland’s Changemakers: New Fellowship Cohort Announced

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Twenty-eight leaders from across Northern Ireland have been named as the newest cohort in the Centre for Democracy and Peace’s Fellowship Programme.

Selected from a record number of applicants, this fifth cohort brings together individuals already making an impact in politics, business, the public sector, and civic society. Among them are politicians, entrepreneurs, senior civil servants, business leaders, cultural advocates, and community organisers.

With representation from five political parties and a wide range of sectors, the group reflects the diversity and ambition shaping Northern Ireland’s present and future. Over the next seven months, the Class of 2026 will take part in a transformative experience designed to strengthen their leadership, forge new connections, and explore the challenges and opportunities facing society today.

Now in its fifth year, the Fellowship is supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, as well as leading employers including Camlin Group, FinTrU, Fujitsu NI, NIE Networks, Ulster Carpets, Allstate NI, and the Irish American Partnership.

Darragh McCarthy, Chair of the Fellowship Advisory Board, said:

“This year’s Fellows bring a remarkable breadth of experience and perspective. The Fellowship offers a unique space to explore ideas, challenge assumptions, and grow as leaders. I’m delighted to welcome this group and look forward to working alongside them in the months ahead.”

The Centre for Democracy and Peace Fellowship Programme Cohort 2025-26 are:

  1. Gerard McDonald, SDLP
  2. Emma Cairns, UUP
  3. Lewis McVitty, UUP
  4. Alderman Gareth Wilson, Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Council, DUP
  5. Cllr Micky Murray, Belfast City Council, Alliance Party
  6. Cllr Kathleen McGurk, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Sinn Féin
  7. Kyle McMullan, Northern Ireland Electricity Networks
  8. Claire McBride, Fujitsu
  9. Jonathan Rogan, SQC Digital
  10. Corrina Grimes, MemoryTell
  11. Michael Boyd, MB Consulting and Coaching
  12. Anna McClung, Department of Justice
  13. Róisín McCreesh, Education Authority NI
  14. Meadhbha Monaghan, Patient and Client Council NI
  15. James Redmond, Department for Infrastructure
  16. Aoibhinn Treanor, Northern Ireland Assembly
  17. Rhyannon Blythe, Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission
  18. Sean McQuade, Northern Health and Social Care Trust
  19. Eilís Adamson, Public Prosecution Service NI
  20. Joanna Braniff, The Rivers Trust
  21. Brian Armstrong, Northern Ireland Alternatives
  22. Steven Mills, NI Football League
  23. Ola Sobieraj, the3million
  24. Dr Matthew O’Neill, Institute of International & European Affairs
  25. Sarah Carlisle, Queen’s Orange Society
  26. Lisa McGinley, The MAC Belfast
  27. Gillian Hamilton, EastSide Partnership
  28. Wendy Blemings, The National Gallery

The Class of 2026 begin their Fellowship journey at Parliament Buildings, Stormont, on Wednesday 3rd September before heading to Worcester College, Oxford, the following week for the first of two programme residentials.

To learn more about the Class of 2026, click here.

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Photo Caption: (L-R) Matthew O’Neill, Institute of International and European Affairs; Zachary Hutchinson, Centre for Democracy and Peace; Anna McClung, Department of Justice; James Redmond, Department for Infrastructure; Sarah Carlisle, Queen’s University Belfast.

Business leaders launch applications for Fellowship Programme

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Businesses in Northern Ireland are supporting an initiative to give leaders from politics, business and civic society a unique opportunity to develop the skills needed to address the leadership challenges of today.

The Centre for Democracy and Peace has opened applications for its Fellowship Programme 2025-26 to address real-world challenges and equip Fellows with practical skills in complex decision-making, design thinking, and collaboration, which are essential for navigating today’s economic, political, and social landscape.

Now in its fifth year, and with almost 100 alumni, the Fellowship Programme offers immersive residential sessions in Oxford and Dublin and allows participants to gain experience in world-class thinking and global best practice.

Supported by leading organisations including Camlin Group, Fujitsu NI, FinTrU, NIE Networks, Ulster Carpets, the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Irish American Partnership, and Allstate NI, the Fellowship reflects a shared commitment to investing in the sustainable peace and prosperity of Northern Ireland.

The programme is guided by an accomplished advisory board of senior business leaders who bring strategic insight, operational expertise, and a deep understanding of leadership in complex environments.

Together, they help shape a Fellowship experience grounded in real-world societal challenges, equipping participants with the adaptive thinking, collaborative mindset, and systems leadership needed to drive innovation, strengthen organisational resilience, and support long-term economic development.

By investing in the Fellowship, leading businesses are playing an active role in developing leaders capable of navigating complexity, generating innovation, and driving meaningful change across Northern Ireland.

(L-R) Karen Gilgunn, Mencap NI, Derek Hynes, NIE Networks, Darragh McCarthy, FinTrU, Shauna Mageean, Northern Ireland Assembly, Eva Grosman, Centre for Democracy and Peace, Phillip Brett, MLA, Cahir Hughes, Electoral Commission, Róisín Finnegan, Independent Business Consultant.

Phillip Brett MLA, Northern Ireland Assembly Economy Committee Chair, and Programme Alumnus said:

“The Fellowship’s focus on systems thinking and entrepreneurial leadership aligns closely with key economic priorities, including the skills agenda. It offers unique value to Northern Ireland by supporting the development of confident, collaborative, and forward-thinking leaders.

“Taking part in the Fellowship was a truly transformative experience. It challenged my thinking, expanded my networks across all sectors, and strengthened my ability to lead with purpose. I would encourage anyone committed to building a better future for Northern Ireland to apply.”

Darragh McCarthy, Chair, Fellowship Advisory Board, added:

“The Fellowship is not just an investment in individual leaders, it’s an investment in the future of Northern Ireland’s business, civic, and political success. By bringing together ambitious leaders from across all sectors, the programme creates conditions for innovation, trust, and long-term collaboration.

“I look forward with great anticipation to seeing the unique talents and perspectives the future group of Fellows will bring, and how they will shape one another as leaders and our society.”

Applications for the 2025/26 Fellowship Programme are now open and will close on Thursday 5 June.

To apply or learn more, visit https://fellowship.democracyandpeace.org or contact fellowship@democracyandpeace.org.

Fellowship Project Calls for Action on Abuse of Political Candidates in Northern Ireland

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A group of leaders from the Centre for Democracy and Peace’s Fellowship Programme have designed a new initiative tackling the abuse and intimidation faced by political candidates in Northern Ireland. As part of the programme’s design thinking module, the team explored real-life challenges and developed solutions aimed at fostering a safer and more inclusive political environment.

Backed by the Electoral Commission Northern Ireland, the project comes in response to alarming statistics: 71% of candidates in the 2022 Northern Ireland Assembly election experienced abuse, threats, or intimidation. This rising hostility disproportionately affects women and ethnic minorities, discouraging individuals from standing for office and threatening the integrity of democracy itself.

During the project, Siobhán McAlister (SDLP) and Cllr Alan Lewis (DUP) shared deeply personal stories of abuse they have faced as political figures. Their experiences underscored the urgency of the issue, prompting other members of the Fellowship cohort to collectively seek out innovative solutions.

The Design Thinking group has put forward a coordinated approach to combat abuse, including:

  • A public awareness campaign to challenge the normalisation of threats and harassment.
  • Legislative measures to strengthen protections for candidates.
  • Education initiatives to promote respectful political discourse.

    • Cahir Hughes, Head of the Electoral Commission Northern Ireland and a 2024-25 Centre for Democracy and Peace (CDP) Fellow, emphasised the importance of action ahead of the 2027 elections:

    “With two years until the next election, it’s crucial for political parties and civil society to work together to create an environment where healthy political engagement can thrive. We need to make Northern Ireland a safe place to run for office, free from intimidation. The Fellowship Programme has provided a unique platform to bring together insights from the political, business, and civic sectors to tackle this issue head-on.”

    The project is part of CDP’s Fellowship Programme, which challenges Northern Irish leaders to tackle some of the region’s most pressing issues. This year’s cohort—the largest to date, with 28 leaders from business, politics, and civic society—has been working on a range of projects designed to generate tangible solutions for the future of Northern Ireland.

    The Fellowship Programme is supported by Allstate NI, Camlin Group, FinTrU, Fujitsu NI, NIE Networks, and Ulster Carpets, along with the Irish Department for Foreign Affairs and the Irish American Partnership.

    The 2024-25 Fellowship Programme will conclude with a graduation ceremony at Hillsborough Castle on Thursday, 3 April.

    fellowship.democracyandpeace.org

    Fellows at IMMA, Dublin.

    Highlights from the Fellowship Dublin residential

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    It is just over one week since our Fellows concluded their second programme residential in Dublin. We want to take this moment to showcase what our Fellows got up to and to thank every facilitator and organisation that contributed during the residential. Enjoy!

    Day 1

    Fellows at the British Embassy, Dublin.

    Fellows at the British Embassy, Dublin.

    The Dublin residential got underway with a visit to the British Embassy. A huge thank you to Ambassador Paul Johnston, Deputy Head of Mission Elin Burns, Dr Harry O’Rahilly, and other Embassy colleagues for sharing their expertise and experience with our Fellows.

    Following the visit to the British Embassy, we were kindly hosted ESB Networks for a tour of their new headquarters and an insightful overview of their corporate strategy and reputation initiatives, including a wider discussion on net zero targets.

    Day 1 ended with a viewing of How to Defuse a Bomb: The Project Children Story, the inspiring story of NYPD officer Denis Mulcahy, who co-founded Project Children in 1975 with his wife, Pat. The charity provided six-week summer respites for over 23,000 Catholic and Protestant children from Northern Ireland amidst the violence of The Troubles.

    Day 2

    Fellows during a session at IMMA.

    Fellows during a session at IMMA.

    Day 2 of the Dublin residential brought us to the iconic Royal Hospital Kilmainham, where we were warmly hosted by the IMMA team. Our Fellows had the privilege of exploring the Take a Breath exhibition and engaging in conversation with artist and filmmaker Helen Flanagan on the powerful role of the arts in addressing social issues. The day began with an insightful discussion on strategic leadership led by Ciarán Ó Cuinn, drawing from his extensive experience in the Middle East. Dr Elizabeth Welty concluded our time in Dublin 8 with a valuable workshop on breathing techniques for clarity and confidence.

    The day concluded with colleagues from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Shared Island Unit. Fellows engaged with officials on a range of issues focused on North/South cooperation. We are truly grateful for the vital support of the Department’s Reconciliation Fund that makes the work and impact of the Fellowship Programme possible.

    Day 3

    Fellows receive a tour of Bank of Ireland College Green.

    Fellows receive a tour of Bank of Ireland College Green.

    Fellows wrapped up the 2025 Fellowship Dublin residential with visits to Trinity College Dublin and Bank of Ireland HQ, focusing on British-Irish & North/South relations. A huge thank you to Dr David Mitchell, Prof Etain Tannam and Dr Gillian Wylie for hosting us at TCD and facilitating fascinating conversations alongside the inspirational Tim O’Connor.

    We’re also grateful to Gillian Orr and the team at Bank of Ireland for giving us a tour of the spectacular College Green building and presenting on their work across these isles.

    Fellows attend the Oxford residential in 2024.

    A year in review: CDP in 2024

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    As 2024 comes to a close, we want to take this moment to thank all of our partners, colleagues, and members who make the work of CDP possible. We are truly grateful for your continued support!

    In this article, we want to share some of our highlights from 2024. Enjoy!

    The CDP team

     

    Fellowship Programme

    Fellows attend Climate and Sustainability session.

    Fellows attend Climate and Sustainability session.

    Fellowship partners with CEO Eva Grosman and First and deputy First Minister.

    Fellowship partners with CEO Eva Grosman and First and deputy First Minister.

    Fellows attend the Oxford residential in 2024.

    Fellows attend the Oxford residential in 2024.

    The Class of 2024 pose for a photo at graduation in Hillsborough Castle.

    The Class of 2024 pose for a photo at graduation in Hillsborough Castle.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    In 2024, the Fellowship Programme continued to thrive, highlighted by our exceptional Fellows and notable residentials in Dublin and Oxford.

    In April, we proudly celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2024 at Hillsborough Castle. Following a well-deserved break, we began the 2024/25 application process, receiving a record number of applications. In September, we launched the Class of 2025 at Stormont alongside the First Minister and deputy First Minister.

    Overall, this year’s two cohorts engaged with topics led by world-class experts, including entrepreneurial leadership, systems thinking, climate and sustainability, and policy and governance. They also cultivated cross-sectoral relationships, essential for ensuring Northern Ireland’s prosperous future.

    The success of the Fellowship Programme would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors and partners: the Department for Foreign Affairs, Irish American Partnership, Allstate NI, Camlin Group, FinTrU, Fujitsu NI, NIE Networks, and Ulster Carpets.

    We are looking forward to what is in store for the 2024/25 cohort and the wider alumni network in 2025!

    To discover more about the Fellowship, visit our website.

    TEDxStormont 2024

    TEDxStormont speaker in the Great Hall, Stormont.

    TEDxStormont speaker in the Great Hall, Stormont.

    THE CDP and Brown O'Connor team.

    THE CDP and Brown O’Connor team.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    On 20 January, TEDxStormont returned to the Great Hall in Parliament Buildings. The day was a roaring success with many thought-provoking and inspiring talks on this year’s theme of Restore.

    A jam-packed audience of over 175 people were treated to a diverse range of talks from experts in their field as well as musical performances. Video recordings of the talks are now available on YouTube.

    To read more about the day, click here.

    John Smith Trust Fellows

    JST Fellows meet with Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron.

    JST Fellows meet with Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron.

    In March, the CDP team were honoured to work with the John Smith Trust’s Belarusian Fellows to facilitate a trip to London and Oxford.

    Read more here.

     

     

     

     

    Cultural diplomacy in 2024

    Delegates visit the Take a Breath exhibition at IMMA.

    Delegates visit the Take a Breath exhibition at IMMA.

    Speakers Q&A at the 'Cultural Diplomacy and the Art of Soft Power' seminar in Belfast.

    Speakers Q&A at the ‘Cultural Diplomacy and the Art of Soft Power’ seminar in Belfast.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    In March, as part of Imagine! Belfast, CDP proudly hosted the seminar, Cultural Diplomacy and the Art of Soft Power, on March 21st at the Black Box. Click here to learn more.

    We teamed up with the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) in June to explore the theme of breathing space. Building upon IMMA’s new exhibition Take a Breath as a foundation, alongside focusing on aspects of IMMA’s Collections and Archives, attendees explored the event’s theme as well as engaging in dialogue and the sharing of practice and ideas. We are truly thankful for the support of the Shared Island Civic Society Fund and we are excited to continue our relationship with IMMA.

    CRIC 2024

    CEO Eva Grosman presents at CRIC2024.

    CEO Eva Grosman presents at CRIC 2024.

    After the Fellowship’s Oxford residential, we were delighted to help our chairman emeritus Lord Alderdice organise this year’s CRIC conference.

    CEO Eva Grosman gave a sobering yet powerful presentation on ending wars in light of what the late Polish philosopher Zygmunt Bauman described as liquid times: living in an age of uncertainty.

    Congratulations to Lord Alderdice for organising another year of CRIC, a vital gathering for honest discussion and engagement.

     

    Climate Democracy seminar

    Speakers at the Climate Democracy seminar.

    Speakers at the Climate Democracy seminar.

    In October, CDP were delighted to host the Agriculture, Land Use, and Climate Democracy seminar at The MAC, Belfast. The day was filled with thought-provoking discussions on the future of climate action and policy innovation.

    A special thanks to all our speakers for sharing their expertise and experience. We look forward to building on these conversations to see constructive action on issues that affect us all.

     

     

     

    Teaching in Rome

    (l-r) Lord Alderdice, Eva Grosman, Zachary Hutchinson.

    Lord Alderdice, Eva Grosman (CEO), and Zachary Hutchinson (Programme Manager) at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas.

    We were honoured to be at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas – Angelicum in late October with Lord Alderdice to facilitate a discussion with students from the St John Paul II Institute of Culture on the role of religion and identity in conflict and peace, with special focus on Northern Ireland.

    Thank you to the Institute for inviting us!

     

     

     

     

    Thank you!

    Once again, thank you to all of our partners, colleagues, and members for your support in 2024. See you in 2025!

    Jadwiga: Europe’s Female King at the Frontline of History | 17 October | Weston Library, Oxford

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    Join Professor Janina Ramirez to learn about the life, love and reign of the 14th-century Polish royal Jadwiga – one of only two female kings in Europe.

    This event is organised in collaboration between the Bodleian Libraries, the Centre for Democracy and Peace and the Polish Cultural Institute in London, to mark the inauguration of a Visiting Fellowship in Polish Studies at the Bodleian Libraries Special Collections.

    Jadwiga: Europe’s Female King at the Frontline of History

    • 17 October 2024 | 11.30am – 1pm
    • FREE, booking essential
    • Book HERE.

    About Professor Janina Ramirez

    Professor Janina Ramirez is a lecturer, researcher, author and broadcaster. She is Research Fellow in History of Art at Harris Manchester College, University of Oxford, and Visiting Professor in Medieval Studies at the University of Lincoln. Her most recent book, ‘Femina: A New History of the Middle Ages Through the Women Written out of it’, was an instant Sunday Times number one best-seller, Waterstones Book of the Month and Book of the Year.

    Janina is also an award-winning documentary-maker, with 15 years of writing and presenting for the BBC, Sky Arts and Arte. Her films include ‘The Search for the Lost Manuscript’, ‘Britain’s Millenium of Monasteries’, and ‘Chivalry and Betrayal: The Hundred Years War’. Her repeating series ‘Raiders of the Lost Past’ has included episodes on the Olmec Heads of Mexico, the Lion Man of Germany, and Tutankhamun in Egypt. She is a regular contributor to radio, having developed the series ‘Decoding the Masterworks’ and presenting for Front Row.

    Janina has taught at York, Warwick and Winchester Universities, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and Oxford University.  She has published extensively, including monographs on The Private Lives of Saints, Julian of Norwich and Beowulf. She has also written a series of children’s novels and non-fiction, including Goddesses in collaboration with the British Museum. Her forthcoming book, ‘Legenda: A New History of Nation Building Through the Women at the Heart of It’, is due for release in July 2025 with Penguin-Random House.

    Janina is a patron of many organisations, including NSEAD, the Stained Glass Society and Oxford Festival of the Arts, and an ambassador for the Centre for Peace Keeping and Democracy. She is Lifetime President of Gloucester History Festival, a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and the Royal Society for the Arts.

    Centre for Democracy and Peace Building Annual Report 2024

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    Chairperson’s Remarks

    We find ourselves in a cultural moment of uncertainty as domestic and global challenges persist. Whether it is the cost of living crisis, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, or the war and humanitarian crisis in Gaza, leadership is required more than ever and the importance of peace building critical. This year has been dubbed the year of voting, with more than two billion people heading to the polls in 2024. Quite simply, it is the biggest election year in history. And yet, democracy has never felt so fragile; it seems to be on the ballot itself.

    Nevertheless, we have welcomed the restoration of the democratic institutions here in Northern Ireland, reminding the world of the imperfect Irish peace process; the hope it offers to peacebuilders around the globe and the potential it has to play a meaningful in peace processes that are yet to come to fruition.

    The Centre for Democracy and Peace Building (CDPB) continues to be involved in vital work across these islands, most notably with the Fellowship Programme.

    Now going into its fourth year, the Fellowship Programme has over seventy alumni, including Finance Minister Caoimhe Archibald MLA, Comptroller and Auditor General for Northern Ireland Dorinnia Carville, and Jason Bunting, whose participation in the programme contributed to his enrolment at the prestigious Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford. The Fellowship Programme invites twenty-four 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. A special note of thanks must go to John Healy who stepped down as advisory board chair in March upon his appointment as chair of Invest NI. We are delighted to have CEO and Founder of FinTrU, Darragh McCarthy, assuming the role.

    This year’s work also included the launch the Good Friday Agreement Online Course, the delivery of various cultural diplomacy symposiums, and our continued partnership with the John Smith Trust. We were also delighted to welcome Ciarán Ó Cuinn to the CDPB board. Ciarán is head of mission at MEDRC, the sole surviving institution of the multilateral Middle East peace process.

    Baroness Margaret Ritchie of Downpatrick

    Read the Report here

    Breathing Space

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    A day of meeting, discussion and sharing of practice convened by the Centre for Democracy and Peace Building and Irish Museum of Modern Art.

    Building upon IMMA’s new exhibition Take a Breath as a foundation, alongside focusing on aspects of IMMA’s Collections and Archives, the event will feature presentations and workshops exploring the theme of ‘breathing space.’ This gathering is intended to create space for dialogue and the sharing of practice and ideas. Namely, it is a coming together of key figures interested in exploring a conversation about our shared island with international representation.

    This event is convened by the Centre for Democracy and Peace and the Irish Museum of Modern Art with support from the Shared Island Civic Society Fund.

    More information including agenda to follow. Refreshments included.

    Date and time
    Friday, June 28 · 10:30am – 5pm GMT+1

    Location
    Irish Museum of Modern Art
    Military Road D08 FW31 Dublin 8 Ireland

    About this event
    6 hours 30 minutes

    Register here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/breathing-space-tickets-920079451407

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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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