The Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation held its Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, 23 September 2026, bringing together members, Board members, staff and supporters to reflect on the organisation’s work and achievements over the past year and to look ahead to an important new phase in Glencree’s development.
Glencree Chair Tom Arnold paid tribute to the many people and organisations who make Glencree’s work possible, while also looking ahead to the organisation’s next phase of development.
“Glencree’s work has always depended on people who believe in the value of dialogue and reconciliation and who are prepared to support that work over the long term. On behalf of Glencree, I want to express our sincere thanks to my fellow Board members, our members and supporters, and particularly our donors and funders for their continued commitment and confidence in the organisation.
“As we look to the future, Glencree is entering this next phase with a new CEO, a strengthened Board and a clear commitment to building our organisational and international capacity. Glencree’s central mission is to build a peaceful inclusive and reconciled society on the island of Ireland by addressing the legacy of conflict, fostering dialogue and developing mutual understanding between divided communities.
“The new plan will affirm our commitment to expand our international work. Two new programme officers will increase our organisational capacity, with one focused on Africa and the second dealing with other regions in the world. A key focus of this international programme will be tackling the link between conflict and hunger and recognising the critically important role that women play in conflict prevention and resolution.”
The AGM also marked an important period of development under Glencree’s CEO, Dr Aisling Hearns, who took up the role in July 2026. Dr Hearns announced that Glencree is beginning work on a new five-year organisational strategy, which will set the direction and priorities for the Centre’s next phase.
“Glencree has a remarkable history and an important role to play in responding to the challenges facing communities and societies today. Our new five-year strategy will build on that legacy while looking firmly to the future.
“We will be working with our Board, staff, members, partners and wider stakeholders to consider where Glencree can make the greatest contribution and how we can deepen the impact and sustainability of our work.”
The AGM reflected on a period of considerable growth and change for the organisation, alongside Glencree’s continued commitment to its core purpose: supporting people and communities to address conflict, build relationships, engage in meaningful dialogue and work towards sustainable peace and reconciliation.
As Glencree develops its new strategy, the organisation will continue to strengthen its partnerships across the island of Ireland and internationally and ensure that its programmes respond to emerging needs and opportunities.
