The Centre for Democracy and Peace Fellowship Programme marked its fifth anniversary with a gala dinner held on Thursday evening, 5 February, at the Titanic Hotel Belfast.
The evening featured a guest performance by Belfast-born, Northern Irish–Ghanaian pop singer and songwriter Winnie Ama, a welcome address from Darragh McCarthy, and a series of special guest contributions, including a Q&A session led by host Tara Mills with Fellowship alumni.
Established in 2021, the Fellowship Programme brings together political, business and civic leaders from across Northern Ireland, providing a space to reimagine leadership through innovation, collaboration and capacity-building.
The programme is built on the belief that the most pressing challenges facing Northern Ireland can only be addressed when leaders from different sectors work together, share expertise, and innovate collectively.
As part of the fifth-anniversary celebrations, the Fellowship has also announced a tree-planting initiative at the Connswater Community Greenway, creating a lasting environmental legacy to complement the programme’s work in leadership and civic engagement.
The planting will take place on Saturday 7 February, with Fellows and partners coming together to mark the milestone through practical community action.
Reflecting on the anniversary, the Centre noted that while the Fellowship has grown over the past five years, its core purpose remains unchanged: nurturing inclusive leadership and creating small but meaningful actions that contribute to lasting positive impact for communities across Northern Ireland.
The Fellowship is supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Northern Ireland Office Connect Fund, as well as leading employers including Camlin Group, FinTrU, Fujitsu NI, NIE Networks, Ulster Carpets, Allstate NI, and the Irish American Partnership.
Welcoming the Fellowship Programme’s fifth anniversary, First Minister Michelle O’Neill said: “The Centre for Democracy and Peace Fellowship has grown into a space where people from politics, business and civic life listen and learn from one another.
“That spirit of collaboration is vital if we are to tackle the challenges we face and build a better future for everyone. I want to congratulate everyone involved on reaching this milestone and thank them for their commitment and belief in working together.”
Speaking at the event, deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said: “The Centre for Democracy and Peace Fellowship has had such a positive impact in the last five years. It has brought together people with drive, commitment and determination to make a real difference here, empowering them to influence positive change.
“Congratulations on this remarkable achievement. Here’s to the next five years, and the next generation of leaders who will help shape a confident, peaceful and prosperous future for us all.”
Fellowship Advisory Board Chair, Darragh McCarthy, added:
“Over the past five years, the Fellowship Programme has created a space for leaders from across Northern Ireland to step back, challenge assumptions and think differently about the kind of leadership our society needs.”
“Marking this anniversary is not just about reflecting on what has been achieved, but about reaffirming our commitment to the future.
“The tree planting at Connswater Community Greenway is a small but meaningful expression of that, a practical act that symbolises growth, shared responsibility and the long-term impact we hope this programme continues to have for communities and for peace.”