Good Relations Week 2026 has officially launched with a call for people across the region to help create a society where everyone feels welcomed, valued and connected.
At a time when conversations around identity, inclusion and belonging remain increasingly important across Northern Ireland, organisations, schools, councils, businesses and community groups are being encouraged to get involved in this year’s celebration under the theme: ‘Include’.
Organised by the Community Relations Council, the annual celebration of good relations, peace-building and cultural diversity will return from Monday 12 to Sunday 18 October 2026, bringing together hundreds of events focused on inclusion, belonging and community connection.
Good Relations Week has been running for over 20 years and has become one of the region’s largest and most recognised celebrations of good relations.
Featuring hundreds of events organised by more than 130 organisations, the week shines a spotlight on the important work taking place all year round across the region to strengthen relationships, celebrate diversity and create more welcoming and inclusive communities.
Through workshops, panel discussions, talks, podcasts, film screenings, performances, storytelling and shared experiences, Good Relations Week 2026 will encourage people to connect, listen to different perspectives and build greater understanding across communities.
The programme of events will also create a platform for important conversations around identity, belonging, migration, shared spaces and cultural diversity, while recognising the important role young people play in shaping the future of society.
The launch comes at a time when conversations around hate, division and inclusion remain increasingly important across the region. Recent PSNI statistics highlighted continuing concerns around sectarianism and hate-related incidents, reinforcing the importance of initiatives that promote understanding and create opportunities for people to connect.
Throughout the week, hundreds of events will take place across Northern Ireland bringing people together to explore issues ranging from sectarianism and racism to belonging, shared spaces, peace-building and cultural diversity.
The programme will also celebrate the efforts of organisations and communities working together to strengthen relationships, celebrate diversity and help build a more welcoming and shared future for everyone.
Martin McDonald MBE, Chair of the Community Relations Council, said: “Good Relations Week has become one of the most important opportunities in our calendar to recognise and celebrate the incredible work taking place every day to bring people together, strengthen relationships and promote understanding across the region.
“This year’s theme, ‘Include’, carries a simple but powerful message. It reminds us that creating a welcoming and inclusive society is something we all have a role in through the way we treat others, support one another and make space for different voices and experiences.
“At a time when conversations around identity, belonging and division continue to shape communities across the region, Good Relations Week provides an important opportunity to encourage positive conversations, shared experiences and stronger connections between people from all backgrounds.
“Across the region, there are countless examples of individuals, organisations and local communities making a real difference through inclusion in action. From opening doors and creating opportunities to celebrating diversity and bringing people together, these are the stories Good Relations Week 2026 will shine a spotlight on.
“The strength of this campaign lies in the people who make it possible. Schools, youth groups, councils, businesses, charities, volunteers and community organisations all have an important role to play in helping build a more connected, respectful and welcoming society for everyone.”
This year’s campaign will also be supported by a number of ambassadors and advocates helping to amplify the message of inclusion, belonging and respect across Northern Ireland.
Among them are broadcaster and DJ Ibe Sesay and campaigner and disability advocate Bernadette Hagans, who are supporting the campaign’s call for a more welcoming and connected society.
Ibe Sesay, Radio Presenter and DJ, said: “I’m really proud to support Good Relations Week 2026 and this year’s message, ‘Include.’
“As a father and husband, I want my family to live in a society where people are respected, welcomed and valued for who they are, regardless of background, identity or culture.
“We’ve come a long way in Northern Ireland, but there are still too many people who experience division, racism, exclusion or judgement simply because they are seen as different.
“Campaigns like Good Relations Week are important because they encourage people to have conversations, listen to one another and recognise the value in different perspectives and experiences.
“One of the biggest lessons I’ve always carried with me is to treat people the way you would want to be treated yourself. Sometimes it’s the smallest acts of kindness, respect and understanding that can make the biggest difference to someone else.
“Across the region there are brilliant people and organisations working every day to bring communities together and create spaces where people feel welcomed and included.
“Good Relations Week shines a light on those efforts and encourages all of us to play our part in building a more connected future.”
Bernadette Hagans, campaigner and disability advocate, said: "I'm honoured to support Good Relations Week 2026.
"Going through cancer and becoming an amputee completely changed how I saw myself and the world around me. It really made me aware of how important kindness, understanding and support from other people can be.
"What stayed with me most throughout that journey was the difference it makes when people feel genuinely included, not treated differently, not judged and not overlooked.
"Sometimes it's the smallest things, a conversation, encouragement or simply feeling accepted, that can have the biggest impact on someone's confidence and sense of belonging.
"Now, as a mum, I think even more about the kind of society we are creating for the next generation. I want my son growing up in a region where diversity is embraced, differences are respected and people feel free to be themselves.
"This year's theme, 'Include', is such an important reminder that inclusion starts with all of us through the way we speak to people, support one another and create communities where everyone feels welcome."
This year’s Good Relations Week comes at a time when conversations around inclusion, identity, racism, belonging and community connection continue to shape communities, reinforcing the importance of initiatives that encourage understanding, celebrate diversity and create opportunities for people from all backgrounds to connect.
Good Relations Week 2026 aims to create opportunities for people to connect, listen to different perspectives and build greater understanding through positive conversations and inclusive community engagement.
Jacqueline Irwin, Chief Executive of the Community Relations Council, said: “Good Relations Week continues to play an important role in promoting peace-building, cultural diversity and inclusion across the region, while providing a platform for communities and organisations to showcase the positive work taking place every day to strengthen relationships and encourage understanding.
“This year, we want to bring together hundreds of events and activities that create opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to connect, share experiences and take part in meaningful conversations around identity, belonging, migration, shared spaces and cultural diversity.
“The theme ‘Include’ reflects the importance of creating environments where everyone feels welcomed, heard and able to belong. It is about recognising the value of every person, celebrating the diversity that enriches our communities and encouraging a culture of openness, respect and inclusion throughout society.
“At its heart, this campaign is about the small everyday actions that can make a lasting difference. Reaching out to someone new. Opening conversations. Listening to different perspectives and creating opportunities for people to come together.
“We want people, organisations and communities right across the region to be part of Good Relations Week 2026 by hosting an event and helping create a more welcoming, connected and inclusive society.
“Those small actions can help build stronger relationships, stronger communities and a more connected future for everyone.”
Local community groups, voluntary organisations, representative groups, statutory bodies, businesses and local councils are encouraged to participate in Good Relations Week 2026 and register their events before the deadline of Thursday 01 October 2026.
Good Relations Week 2026 is supported by The Executive Office and contributes to delivering the Together: Building a United Community Strategy.
Find out more and register an event for Good Relations Week 2026 now.
Photo assets
Caption: Bernadette Hagans, campaigner and disability advocate, alongside Ibe Sesay, radio presenter and DJ, pictured at the launch of Good Relations Week 2026. This year’s ‘Include’ campaign celebrates the people and organisations helping to build a more welcoming and connected society across Northern Ireland.
Caption: Pictured at the launch of Good Relations Week 2026 are Bernadette Hagans, campaigner and disability advocate; Ibe Sesay, radio presenter and DJ; Aroma Kennedy, originally from Uganda, performing with his African drum; Moira Doherty, Permanent Secretary of The Executive Office; and Martin McDonald MBE, Chair of the Community Relations Council.
Caption: Bernadette Hagans, campaigner and disability advocate; Ibe Sesay, radio presenter and DJ; and Aroma Kennedy, originally from Uganda, performing with his African drum during the launch of Good Relations Week 2026. This year’s ‘Include’ campaign celebrates the people and organisations helping to build a more welcoming and connected society across Northern Ireland.
Caption: Bernadette Hagans, campaigner and disability advocate; Ibe Sesay, radio presenter and DJ; and Aroma Kennedy, originally from Uganda, pictured supporting the launch of Good Relations Week 2026. This year’s ‘Include’ campaign celebrates the people and organisations helping to build a more welcoming and connected society across Northern Ireland.
Further info
For further information please contact:
AY.
Russell Lever
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Email: russell@ay.studio