Northern Ireland: Pasts, Presents, Futures will be hosted virtually on Monday, November 8.

100 years after the Government of Ireland Act went into force, founding the state of Northern Ireland, this virtual event will bring together politicians, historians, and youth leaders to discuss the claims of history, the challenges of the present, and the shape of the future in Northern Ireland.

Monday's event is hosted by American University's School of Public Affairs (SPA) and School of International Service (SIS), as well as Georgetown University's Global Irish Studies Initiative, in association with the Northern Ireland Bureau and the Washington Ireland Program.

Opening remarks will be offered by Mr. Paul Givan, First Minister of Northern Ireland, and Mr. Declan Kearney, Junior Minister at the Executive Office

Advance registration is required for Monday's virtual event which will run from 12:45 pm - 4:00 pm EST. There is no charge to attend the event, though donations are welcome.

Northern Ireland: Pasts, Presents, Futures Schedule

12:45 pm: Welcome from Dr. Vicky Wilkins, Dean of the School of Public Affairs, American University, and Mr. Andrew Elliott, Director of the Northern Ireland Bureau

12:50 pm: Opening Remarks by Mr. Paul Givan, First Minister of Northern Ireland, and Mr. Declan Kearney, Junior Minister at the Executive Office

1:00PM -1:55PM - Pasts:

  • Dr. Niamh Gallagher, Associate Professor in Modern British and Irish History, University of Cambridge
  • Dr. Darragh Gannon, Lecturer in Irish Studies/Head of Irish Studies, University College Dublin
  • Prof. Diane Urquhart, Professor of Gender History, School of History, Anthropology, Philosophy and Politics, Queen's University Belfast
  • Moderated by Dr. Tim McMahon, Associate Professor in the History Department at Marquette University

2:00 pm to 2:55 pm - Presents:

  • The Right Honorable Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, Member of Parliament of the United Kingdom and leader of the Democratic Unionist Party
  • Mr. John Finucane, Member of Parliament of the United Kingdom, representing Sinn Féin
  • Ms. Naomi Long, Minister of Justice in the Northern Ireland Executive, Member of the Legislative Assembly of Northern Ireland and leader of the Alliance Party
  • Mr. Mike Nesbitt, Member of the Legislative Assembly of Northern Ireland, representing the Ulster Unionist Party 
  • Ms. Claire Hanna, Member of Parliament of the United Kingdom, representing the Social Democratic and Labour Party
  • Moderated by Dr. Kimberly Cowell-Meyers, School of Public Affairs, and Dr. Carole Gallaher, School of International Service, American University

3:00 pm to 3:55 pm - Futures:

  • Mr. Gary McAllister, Youth Development Officer for the Orange Order 
  • Ms. Leah Rea, Vice President of Young European Socialists 
  • Ms. Coumilah Manjoo, Healthcare worker, Activist and Community Liaison Officer with the Belfast Multi-cultural Association 
  • Ms. Kyra Reynolds, Peace Barriers Programme Development Worker, Triax Neighbourhood Management Team
  • Moderated by Mr. Bryan Patten, Executive Director, Washington Ireland Program

You can register online here for Northern Ireland: Pasts, Presents, Futures. This online event is free and open to the public. You can learn more about Monday's event here.

Related: Irish American, Irish Politics, Northern Ireland