The causes of Northern Ireland’s past conflict have been much debated and studied. However, healing past divisions has been, and continues to be, the focus of many of our public policies and initiatives.
Northern Ireland has made considerable progress since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement over 20 years ago, and the peace process has become a celebrated model for conflict resolution and reconciliation efforts worldwide. Today, Northern Ireland is widely regarded as a global leader in the fields of peace and security.
The Bureau routinely works with various federal agencies and institutions (e.g. Congress, the Department of State, the Executive Office of the President, and the Office of the Vice President), as well as with members of the American and Canadian diplomatic corps, to both celebrate the legacy of the peace process and share best practices. The contributions made by the United States and Canada to the process are numerous, and Northern Ireland continues to enjoy a close relationship with the two nations. The Bureau maintains this relationship by: (1) engaging with new partners and allies across a wide array of sectors; (2) cultivating a strong network of support; and (3) raising awareness of Northern Ireland’s many political, economic, academic, and cultural achievements.
How We Can Help
Although we represent the smallest region in the United Kingdom, the Bureau’s impact in North America is significant. We have access to an extensive network of contacts and resources working to support our mission. We help by:
- Monitoring key political and policy developments of interest to the Executive;
- Supporting inward visits to the United States and Canada;
- Briefing politicians and political staffers ahead of official, state-sponsored visits to Northern Ireland;
- Hosting and/or part-sponsoring networking events, informational briefings, and leadership development sessions for young professionals groups; and
- Establishing cross-national links between various groups working in the fields of restorative justice, conflict resolution, community mediation, human rights, etc.