Report Charts the Future of North-South Co-operation on the Island of Ireland

The Irish Association was proud to launch its latest report, A Vision for the Future of North-South Co-operation? Strand 2 – A Generation On in the Richard Hayes Room at the National Library, Dublin on Wednesday 18 June 2025. It was the culmination of a year-long programme of events exploring the evolution and potential of cross-border co-operation since the 1998 Belfast/Good Friday Agreement.

Held between September 2024 and April 2025, the four symposia brought together nearly 60 speakers and a wide spectrum of stakeholders from both jurisdictions. The series examined economic, social, health, environmental, educational, and cultural dimensions of co-operation under Strand 2 of the Agreement.

The report recognises the significant achievements of institutions like the North South Ministerial Council and six cross-border Implementation Bodies and six areas of co-operation, while also presenting concrete proposals for deepening co-operation in areas such as:

• Economic development: including calls for a joint labour mobility task force and integrated energy planning.
• Health & environment: highlighting public preventative healthcare and the case for an independent environmental agency in Northern Ireland.
• Education & culture: advocating for greater investment in further and higher education and expanded support for the arts.

Irish Association President Professor Brian Walker commented:

This report reflects the determination of people across the island to build a shared future grounded in practical cooperation and mutual respect.

Brian Walker concluded: 

"We hope it will prompt fresh action and ambition for the next 25 years of North-South engagement." 

The launch event brought together invited guests from government, civic society, academia, and the media. The overall symposia series report is available here.

The summary report is also available with videos of the keynote addresses at the four symposia.