Belfast, 10 June 2026
The Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation is delighted to announce the official launch of NextGen4Peace, a new cross-border initiative designed to empower people and communities with the skills, confidence, and networks needed to engage in dialogue, mediation, and conflict resolution.
The launch event took place on Wednesday, 10th June at 2:00pm in Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, bringing together key stakeholders and community leaders to mark the beginning of this significant initiative.
The NextGen4Peace project is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) and runs from October 2025 to September 2029.
Delivered in partnership with Mediation Northern Ireland, NextGen4Peace will bring together people from across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland, with a particular focus on those from marginalised communities. The programme aims to strengthen relationships, foster mutual understanding, and support the development of a more peaceful and inclusive society.
First Minister Michelle O’Neill said: “NextGen4Peace is an ambitious and forward looking initiative that recognises that building peace is an ongoing responsibility for all of us, and one that is strengthened when we work together across communities and across this island.
“By supporting people to develop skills in dialogue and mediation this project will help create new opportunities for understanding, connection and positive relationships between communities.
“This project reflects the value of working together across this island to deepen understanding, strengthen relationships and continue building a future shaped by partnership, respect and reconciliation.
“The Executive Office is proud to provide match funding of more than £325,000 towards this project and I want to wish Glencree and all delivery partners every success over the years ahead.
“The Executive Office is proud to provide match funding of more than £325,000 for this ambitious project, and we wish Glencree and all the partners every success with its delivery.”
Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said: “I am delighted to see the launch of this £2.2million project, which will give communities the practical tools they need for conflict resolution.
“More than 2,200 people with benefit from training and peer support through this initiative which will encourage respectful engagement and help build long-term peace and reconciliation.
“Thanks to Glencree and all the partners involved in the development and delivery of this good relations project. I look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have.”
The Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, and Minister of State with Responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Jerry Buttimer TD, welcomed the announcement.
Minister Calleary said: “I wish to convey my sincere appreciation to everyone who contributed to the progress of the NextGen4Peace project. It fills me with immense pleasure that my Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, in partnership with the Special EU Programmes Body and The Executive Office in Northern Ireland, will persist in providing support for this remarkable initiative”.
Minister Buttimer added: “This initiative will build capacity for a new generation of peacebuilders, foster positive relationships and support conflict resolution and reconciliation interventions. It will establish and sustain a regional network of diverse peacebuilders operating on a cross-community and cross-border basis.”
Chief Executive of SEUPB, Gina McIntyre said: “The SEUPB is proud to support the NextGen4Peace project through the PEACEPLUS Programme. This initiative reflects the importance of creating opportunities for people, particularly those from marginalised backgrounds, to come together, develop skills and build understanding.
“By supporting dialogue, mediation and cross-community engagement, NextGen4Peace will help strengthen connections, promote respect for diversity, and contribute to a more inclusive and cohesive society across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland.”
The NextGen4Peace project aims to strengthen cross-community and intercultural relationships across Northern Ireland and six border counties of Ireland by:
· Delivering tailored training programmes in conflict resolution, dialogue, mediation, and restorative practices, with a particular focus on supporting marginalised communities
· Establishing 3–5 key “anchor sites” across the region to serve as hubs for training delivery and mediation support
· Piloting a community-based mediation service model, while supporting and developing a new cohort of trainee mediators
· Training and supporting 30 mediators and dialogue facilitators from marginalised communities, helping to nurture the next generation of peacebuilders and a strong community of practice
· Delivering conflict resolution initiatives within school communities, in partnership with regional associate partners, to promote positive community relations
Through these activities, NextGen4Peace will contribute to building stronger relationships, enhancing mutual understanding, and supporting long-term peace and reconciliation across the region.
Commenting on the launch, Tom Arnold, the Chair of the Board of the Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation said:
“NextGen4Peace represents an important investment in the next generation of peacebuilders. By equipping people with the tools and support they need, we are helping to build stronger, more resilient communities for the future.”
Anne-Marie Blaney, Chair of Mediation Northern Ireland said: “When we see problems in our local areas, we sometimes hesitate to reach out to people who have different perspectives – maybe because we are not sure how to start or we don’t want to make things worse. Mediation NI see the need for skills, confidence and practical support for grassroot dialogue initiatives among people across Northern Ireland and the Border Counties.”
Fill in your details and we will send you a link to the toolkit.
