Photo Caption: (L-R) Peter Cunningham, Camlin Group, deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, Eva Grosman, Centre for Democracy and Peace, First Minister Michelle O’Neill, Christina Bates, Centre for Democracy and Peace.
An influential group of leaders from across Northern Ireland have come together at Stormont today to launch the sixth cohort of the Centre for Democracy and Peace Fellowship Programme.
The Class of 2027, comprising 28 Fellows from across five political parties, business, the public sector and civic society, will embark on a seven-month programme designed to strengthen leadership, build relationships across sectors and create a powerful network for collaboration.
The new cohort begins the programme at an important time for Northern Ireland. With the next Assembly election on the horizon, alongside continuing pressures on public services, the economy and communities, the Fellowship aims to create space for leaders with different experiences and perspectives to build relationships, challenge thinking and identify areas of common ground.
At a time when confidence and trust in democratic institutions must continue to be strengthened, the programme will also explore the role that strong leadership, constructive debate and collaboration can play in shaping Northern Ireland’s future.
Rather than viewing Northern Ireland solely through the challenges it faces, the Fellowship is focused on equipping leaders to recognise opportunities, develop new ideas and contribute to a more ambitious and collaborative future for the region.
The Fellows were officially welcomed at a special ceremony at Parliament Buildings, Stormont, today, Tuesday 8 September, attended by First Minister Michelle O’Neill MLA and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly MLA.
The event opened with keynote remarks from Dr Darragh McCarthy, Chair of the Centre for Democracy and Peace Fellowship Advisory Board, who welcomed the new cohort before Fellows took part in an engaging session led by Andrew Toogood, and a panel session with board members and alumni.
This year’s cohort follows another significant number of applications during the programme’s robust selection process, reflecting growing demand for opportunities to build meaningful relationships across traditional political, professional and sectoral boundaries.
The successful Fellows represent a broad cross-section of Northern Ireland society, including political representatives and leaders from business, health, education, charities, community organisations and the public sector.
Central to the Fellowship is the creation of relationships that extend well beyond the seven-month programme. Through its growing alumni network, the programme is developing a community of leaders who can continue to share expertise, challenge one another and collaborate long after their Fellowship year concludes.
The Fellowship programme is supported by the Department for Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Irish American Partnership, and its corporate partners and sponsors Allstate NI, Camlin Group, FinTrU, Fujitsu NI, NIE Networks and Ulster Carpets.
First Minister Michelle O’Neill said:
“I am delighted to welcome this year’s 28 Fellows, who bring a wealth of experience from politics, business, public service and civic society.
“As First Minister, I am ambitious for this place and our people, but government cannot deliver that ambition alone. We need leaders across society who are willing to work together, build trust and find common ground. This Fellowship creates those connections, and I hope the relationships formed will help make a positive difference across our communities.”
Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said:
“This Fellowship is invaluable as it gives leaders from different backgrounds with different perspectives and experiences the opportunity to test ideas, challenge assumptions, learn from one another and build lasting relationships.
“Over the years, we have seen how this programme is about so much more than personal development, it is about strengthening leadership across our society in a way that will benefit the communities we serve. I wish everyone success and look forward to seeing what the group achieves together.”
Eva Grosman, CEO of the Centre for Democracy and Peace Building and Fellowship Programme Director, said:
“Northern Ireland is approaching a pivotal period. With elections on the horizon and significant challenges across our economy, public services and communities, investing in leadership, relationships and collaboration is more important than ever.
“The Fellowship is built on the belief that our most complex challenges cannot be addressed by any one sector or perspective alone. We bring together leaders from across politics, business, the public sector and civic society to challenge perspectives, find common ground and build relationships based on trust.
“We also encourage Fellows to look beyond the challenges and recognise Northern Ireland’s enormous opportunities. Each cohort strengthens a growing network of leaders with the confidence, connections and ambition to work together and help shape our shared future.”
Learn more about the Class of 2027 here.
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