Northern Ireland Community Relations Council - About Us - Press Releases

13 March 2006

Today, Monday 13th March, the Community Relations Council's Chief Executive, Dr Duncan Morrow, launched a series of seminars in Belfast which will take forward the aspirations of A Shared Future, Government's Policy & Strategic Framework for Good Relations in Northern Ireland.

From Aspiration to Action

Today, Monday 13^th March, the Community Relations Council's Chief Executive, Dr Duncan Morrow, launched a series of seminars in Belfast which will take forward the aspirations of A Shared Future, Government's Policy & Strategic Framework for Good Relations in Northern Ireland.

The seminars are part of a CRC research programme which seeks to identify strategic recommendations for government action/implementation.

Over the coming weeks there will be reports from key experts in the field of:

v Shared Education

v Community Development/Community Relations

v Flags & Emblems

v Interfaces

v Mixed Housing

v Monitoring & Evaluation

v Race Relations

v Young People

These will highlight the crucial issues relevant to the Government's A Shared Future Framework which envisages, “The establishment over time of a normal, civic society, in which all individuals are considered equals, where differences are resolved through dialogue in the public sphere, and where all people are treated impartially. A society where there is equity, respect for diversity and a recognition of our interdependence”.

At today's seminar it was agreed by a panel of key experts in the field of education that there was an urgent need to facilitate dialogue between the main educational sectors and institutions to agree a collective vision of a shared future. Practical actions were also needed to better prepare young people for life in a more diverse society.

Dr Duncan Morrow said “it is important that we move soon from aspiration to action on A Shared Future. These seminars will make an important practical contribution to that process.”

The research programme will culminate in a major conference, to be held in Belfast on 27 April during Community Relations Week , and will present recommendations for inclusion in Government's Triennial Action Plans.

13/03/06

END

For further information contact

Ray Mullan Director – Communications & Learning 02890 227500

Rmullan@nicrc.org.uk