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2023

Mitchell and Blair to address Agreement conference at Queen’s

Senator George J. Mitchell and former Prime Minister for Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Tony Blair have been announced as attending Queen’s University’s three-day conference to mark the 25th anniversary of the Belfast / Good Friday Agreement.

Former Queen’s University Chancellor Senator Mitchell famously chaired the intense and ultimately successful talks process in 1998.  Tony Blair prioritised peace in Northern Ireland from the outset of his premiership, helped secure the historic Agreement and maintained his commitment to the process for the remainder of his time in office.

Cherie Blair will also attend the conference and contribute to a Women in Business event as a key element of the conference programme.

Welcoming the announcement, Queen’s University Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Greer said: “It is another major coup to have secured two more of the key architects in achieving the peace that we continue to enjoy for the Agreement 25 conference.

“Senator Mitchell has expressed his immense attachment for Northern Ireland and his return will be an emotional visit for many of us. We will have the honour of unveiling a bust in his honour in the grounds of the university which will further cement the great relationship Senator Mitchell has had with Queen’s University.

“We also welcome Tony Blair who will contribute to the Guaranteeing Peace - The Guarantors section of our conference. Joining former US President William J. Clinton and former Taoiseach of Ireland Bertie Ahern, he will reflect on the magnitude of the agreement, how it was reached and the impact it has had on Northern Ireland.”

Media

Media enquiries to suzanne.lagan@qub.ac.uk

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