Moving on from Conflict
Lessons from Northern Ireland

Senator George Mitchell
Chancellor Queen’s University Belfast

2008 marked two significant anniversaries in Northern Ireland. It has been 10 years since Northern Ireland’s politicians came together to sign the historic accord now known as the Good Friday Agreement, and 100 years since Queen’s College Belfast became a university in its own right.

The Mitchell Conference - part of the University’s Centenary celebrations - played a crucial role in enabling others to learn from the Northern Ireland experience. Its potential to help other societies working towards a resolution of conflict was enormous. I was honoured that this conference bore my name and I was delighted to commend it to you.

Professor Peter Gregson
President and Vice-Chancellor Queen’s University Belfast

The Mitchell Conference was one of the highlights of Queen’s University’s Centenary celebrations. Named after our Chancellor, Senator George Mitchell, the conference brought together political leaders, academics, lawyers and community workers to draw on the Northern Ireland experience and consider how this can contribute to the global debate on conflict resolution.

I also was delighted that a distinguished delegation from Georgetown University in Washington DC attended. This further strengthened the academic links between Queen’s and Georgetown. The University would particularly like to thank Co-operation Ireland, Titanic Quarter and the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust who helped make the conference happen.

Mr Christopher Moran
Chairman Co-operation Ireland

Co-operation Ireland was delighted to be involved with the Mitchell Conference. Senator George Mitchell is a valued member of the Board of Co-operation Ireland (US) Inc and it is fitting that this conference recognised his continuing contribution to Northern Ireland. In keeping with the Senator’s philosophy, and the approach of Co-operation Ireland, the conference took lessons from Northern Ireland and considered how we can move forward, and how others can learn from our experiences. I am glad that as well as addressing conflict resolution, the conference also addressed economic development issues.