Celebrating our 25th anniversary conference

Over 150 delegates gathered to reflect on the challenges, successes, partnerships and cooperation that have evolved as the Centre for Cross Border Studies marked its 25th with a special conference on the theme, Celebrating a shared journey and the path ahead.

Peter Osborne, Chairperson of the Centre for Cross Border Studies, said: “In the 25 years since the Centre was set up, thousands of people have engaged in conversations about cross-border cooperation.

“It is 25 years of events and relationship building, persuading and cajoling. It is 25 years of commitment, challenges and opportunities taken. It is important to document our shared journey to the better place we have all created.

“Since 1999, the Centre has always been about the ‘so what?’ of research. It has been informing, influencing and delivering practical actions that were about tackling mutual need, mutual interest and mutual benefit to people of all backgrounds north and south, east and west.

“The Centre is a child of the Good Friday Agreement and much has already been said about it. Our vision is about making a positive impact on the lives of people, and making it easier for decision-makers, opinion-informers and activists to understand and to do more for the mutual benefit of all.”

Patrick O’Donovan TD, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, who addressed the delegates, said: “I wish to acknowledge the unique role of the Centre for Cross Border Studies and pay tribute to the important role and support played by its current and former Directors, Dr Anthony Soares, Ruth Taillon and Andy Pollak. Their support across a range of initiatives has enabled my Department to strengthen North-South collaboration in tertiary education.

“Over the past 25 years, the Centre has been a steadfast promoter and supporter of improved North-South cooperation for the mutual benefit of all communities, North and South. The practical advice it provides through the Border People project also ensures citizens with cross-border lives can access information to support working and studying in the other jurisdiction.

“As a respected source of independent research into cross-border cooperation, its contribution is also acknowledged beyond this island. I congratulate its leadership and wish it every success in the future.”

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn said: “It was an honour to speak at the 25th Anniversary conference to celebrate the shared journey since 1998, and the path ahead.

“I believe that the Good Friday Agreement was the proudest achievement of the last Labour Government and one we shared with the Northern Ireland political parties, the Irish Government, international friends, and a wide range of voices across civic society who played a vital role in the peace process.

“As Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, I am determined to make the most of Northern Ireland’s great economic potential and to ensure its citizens enjoy a safe and prosperous future.”

Anthony Soares, the Centre’s Director, said he was humbled to see so many people at the event to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Centre for Cross Border Studies.

“It is a real testament to the value of this organisation and to the vision of its founding Director, Andy Pollak. I am proud to be carrying on the journey that he began in 1999, and that my predecessor, Ruth Taillon, steered so wisely,” Anthony said.

“We’re a small organisation in terms of its team, but their passion for the Centre’s mission to support and advocate for improved North-South and East-West relations, and to provide independent analysis, means that we are trusted and punch well above our weight.

“We are fortunate to have so many friends across this island, and across these islands, as well as in Europe and beyond. Our solid belief in the value of cooperation, in the spirit of the Good Friday Agreement, means that our work depends on relationships of trust and friendship.

“That is why after 25 years, while we will still formally be known as the Centre for Cross Border Studies, we will from now on operate under the name of the Centre for Cross Border Cooperation. We hope that people will understand why this more properly reflects who we are as we look forward to the next 25 years supporting and advocating for improved cooperation within and across these islands.”