CCBS 20th Anniversary Conference

The Good Friday/Belfast Agreement; reflecting on a 20 year journey of cross-border cooperation and plotting the path to a successful future

The Centre marked its 20th anniversary with a special celebratory conference in Dundalk on Friday 20 September 2019.

This special conference explored if the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement has fostered growth and improved relations between and within these islands.

Programme

Registration and Networking Breakfast

Welcome – Dr Helen Johnston, Chair, Centre for Cross Border Studies

Opening Remarks – Dr Anthony Soares, Acting Director, Centre for Cross Border Studies

Keynote Session:

• Martin Fraser, Secretary General, Department of the Taoiseach
• David Sterling, Head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service
• Sir Mark Sedwill, Cabinet Secretary, National Security Adviser and Head of the UK Civil Service

Panel Discussion:

• Moderator – Dr Katy Hayward, Queen’s University Belfast
• Dr Etain Tannam, Trinity College Dublin
• Sarah Tiffin, Deputy Head of Mission, British Embassy Dublin
• Matthew O’Toole, Independent Commentator

Keynote Speaker – Professor Duncan Morrow, Ulster University

Panel Discussion:

• Moderator – Andy Pollak, founding Director, Centre for Cross Border Studies
• Professor Kathy Hall, University College Cork
• Dr Mary Murphy, University College Cork
• Michael D’Arcy, Ibec/CBI Northern Ireland Joint Business Council

Keynote Speaker – Professor Cathy Gormley Heenan, Ulster University

Panel Discussion:

• Moderator – Steven McCaffery, Communications Strategy Executive, Social Change Initiative
• Susan McKay, Journalist
• Peter Sheridan, Chief Executive, Co-operation Ireland
• Sarah Creighton, Independent Commentator

Closing Remarks – Dr Anthony Soares

Drinks Reception & Journal Launch by Dr Christopher Gibson, former Chair, Centre for Cross Border Studies

Generously sponsored by Dublin City University & Queen’s University Belfast

Dinner

• Chaired by Professor John Doyle, Dublin City University
• Dinner Speaker – Fintan O’Toole, The Irish Times