British Academy: The UK's National Academy for the Humanities and Social Sciences
British Academy discussion at University of Liverpool marks anniversary of Good Friday Agreement
Jonathan Powell, former chief of staff to Tony Blair took part in a discussion organised by the British Academy and the University of Liverpool’s Institute of Irish Studies, on 5 November 2008 to mark the 10th anniversary of the Good Friday Belfast Agreement.
The discussion brought together a panel of experts to discuss the lessons of the Agreement, particularly for conflict resolution in divided societies. The Good Friday Belfast Agreement was a turning point in the Northern Ireland peace process. It was signed on 10 April 1998 by the British and Irish governments and endorsed by most Northern Ireland political parties and by the electorates of both parts of Ireland.
Jonathan Powell was joined by former Northern Ireland Ombudsman, Maurice Hayes; the Irish Ambassador David Cooney; Chief Executive of the Community Relations Council, Dr Duncan Morrow; and Belfast-based broadcaster Malachi O’ Doherty to discuss how successful the Northern Ireland model is for other areas of world conflict and what problems still remain.
Principal negotiator on Northern Ireland from 1997 to 2007, Jonathan Powell was instrumental in bringing about lasting peace after centuries of conflict. He played a key role in the formulation of the Blair government’s foreign policy and political strategies.
He said: “While the conflict in Northern Ireland and the peace settlement were unique, there are lessons to be learned from the peace process that can be applied to the resolution of other world conflicts.
“I am delighted to be able to join such a distinguished panel to discuss these lessons, and particularly pleased to do so at the University of Liverpool, where the 'Tony Blair Chair of Irish Studies' has just been created thanks to the generosity of the Irish Government.”
Professor Marianne Elliott, Director of the University’s Institute of Irish Studies and a Fellow of the British Academy, added: “Ten years on from the Good Friday Agreement, the time is right to discuss its lessons for other conflict zones and to take stock of what has been achieved to date and what still remains to be done.”
Professor John Morrill FBA, Chair of the Communications and Activities Committee at the British Academy, said: “The Academy is delighted to be sponsoring this discussion within its much expanded public events programme. The Academy, in its publications, on its website, and in events organised by itself and in collaboration with universities and other bodies, seeks to bring into conversation members of the academic community and policy makers in many areas of public life in the UK and around the world.”
NOTES TO EDITORS
Published:
05 November 2008
- The Institute of Irish Studies at the University of Liverpool was established in 1998 as the first Institute of its kind in Britain and recently received a £5 million endowment from the Irish Government to establish the Tony Blair Chair of Irish Studies.
- The University of Liverpool is a member of the Russell Group of leading research-intensive institutions in the UK. It attracts collaborative and contract research commissions from a wide range of national and international organisations valued at more than £108 million annually.
- The British Academy is the UK’s national academy for the humanities and social sciences. Its purpose is to inspire, recognise and support excellence in these disciplines throughout the UK and internationally, and to champion their role and value. More information about the Academy’s work is available at www.britac.ac.uk.
For further information:
Michael Reade, British Academy, 020 7969 5263 / m.reade@britac.ac.uk
Kate Spark, Media Relations Manager, University of Liverpool
Tel: 0151 794 2247, Mobile: 07970 247391, E-mail: kate.spark@liv.ac.uk