Blog Elements

Half Sized Blog Element (Single Author Style)

Half Sized Blog Element (Multi Author Style)

Business leaders launch applications for Fellowship Programme

May 6, 2025/in CDPB, Fellowship, News /by admin

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.

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

March 12, 2025/in CDPB, Fellowship, News /by admin

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.

Business leaders launch applications for Fellowship Programme

May 6, 2025/in CDPB, Fellowship, News /by admin

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

March 12, 2025/in CDPB, Fellowship, News /by admin

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

Business leaders launch applications for Fellowship Programme

May 6, 2025/in CDPB, Fellowship, News /by admin

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.

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

March 12, 2025/in CDPB, Fellowship, News /by admin

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

Latest news

Business leaders launch applications for Fellowship ProgrammeMay 6, 2025 - 1:13 pm
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.
Fellowship Project Calls for Action on Abuse of Political Candidates in Northern IrelandMarch 12, 2025 - 9:27 am
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.
Highlights from the Fellowship Dublin residentialJanuary 30, 2025 - 11:08 am
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 […]