A Vision for the Future?

Strand 2 of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement and North-South co-operation

Four events in 2024-2025 reviewing the 1998 Belfast/Good Friday Agreement


Event #1 – Monday 9 September 2024 in the Canada Room at Queen's University, Belfast

(l-r) Bertie Ahern & Reg Empey
(l-r) Bertie Ahern & Reg Empey

This first event in the series reviewed the North South Ministerial Council from a range of perspectives, including its establishment and its challenges. The following link is to a video recording of the presentations at the event by Reg Empey and Bertie Ahern.

Video of the keynote speakers' presentations


Event #3 – Tuesday 18 February 2025 in the Royal Irish Academy, Dawson Street, Dublin.

The Royal Irish Academy, Dawson Street, Dublin
The Royal Irish Academy, Dawson Street, Dublin

This third event will look at the topics of health and the environment. The keynote speakers will be Professor Mary Horgan and Dr Michael McBride, Chief Medical Officers..

Event #2 – Monday 25 November 2024 in the Royal Irish Academy, Dawson Street, Dublin.

(l-r) Angela McGowan, Brian Walker, Danny McCoy
(l-r) Angela McGowan, Brian Walker, Danny McCoy

The second event looked at the economic effects of Strand 2. The following links are video recordings of presentations at that event.

1 Introduction – Brian Walker
2 Angela McGowan CBI Northern Ireland
3 Danny McCoy IBEC
4 Margaret Hearty InterTradeIreland
5 John McDonagh Waterways Ireland
6 Sharon McMahon Loughs Agency


Event #4 – Wednesday 26 March 2025 in the Linen Hall Library, 17 Donegall Square North, Belfast.

Linen Hall Library, Donegall Square North, Belfast
Linen Hall Library, Donegall Square North, Belfast

The fourth event will look at the topics of education and culture. Keynote speakers to be confirmed.


The North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) was established under the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement (1998), to develop consultation, co-operation and action within the island of Ireland.

The Irish Association acknowledges the support of the Irish Government for these events through the Shared Island Initiative.