Ammon News - The Embassy of Ireland in Jordan, in cooperation with the Center for Strategic Studies at the University of Jordan, organised a conference titled "Pathways to Peace in Northern Ireland: Background and Personal Reflections" on May 6, 2024.

The conference featured a keynote speech by former Jordanian Foreign Minister Marwan Muasher, as well as expert contributions from Ireland, Northern Ireland and and Jordan.

In his keynote speech, Dr. Muasher highlighted the importance of the Good Friday Agreement in bringing peace to Northern Ireland. He said that the agreement was a "landmark" that "ended decades of conflict and violence."

Dr. Muasher also drew parallels between the situation in Northern Ireland and the occupied Palestinian territories. He said that both conflicts were rooted in historical grievances and that both had been marked by violence and bloodshed.

Dr. Muasher commended Ireland for plans recognise the state of Palestine and urged others to do so in line with stated support for a two-State solution.

The conference included the participation of from a number of Irish experts, including: Ruairi de Búrca, Director General, Ireland UK and Americas at the Irish foreign ministry who provided the context to the achievement of the Good Friday Agreement and the role of Irish and British governments and the international community.

Monica McWilliams, Co-Founder of the Northern Ireland Women's Coalition and a leading figure in the Northern Ireland peace process, also particpiated, who spoke about the importance of women in peace building and reconciliation, and Debbie Watters, Co-Director of Northern Ireland Alternatives who emphasised the role of civil society and engaging young people in peace processes.

The conference also included a number of panel discussions, in which participants spoke about many aspects of of peacebuilding and reconciliation.

The conference also launched an exhibition in Arabic by the Embassy of Ireland on Peace Heroines involved in achieving a political solution in Northern Ireland. The exhibition included stories of the sacrifices that women made to achieve peace in Northern Ireland and will be hosted by the University of Jordan over the coming weeks.