The Washington Ireland Program (WIP) has marked 30 years of its transatlantic program developing and inspiring young leaders committed to building a future of peace and prosperity for Northern Ireland and Ireland.
For three decades, the Washington Ireland Program has played an important role in post-conflict Northern Ireland and Ireland by bringing together leaders from a wide range of communities and backgrounds for outstanding leadership and skills-development training in Washington D.C and New York with high profile organisations and elected representatives in the likes of the US Congress and Senate.
The milestone was marked at a major event at Belfast City Hall this weekend hosted by the Lord Mayor of Belfast with around 300 alumni and supporters. Over 900 young leaders have passed through the program since its inception in 1994.
In 30 years, WIP has built a legacy of empowering young leaders, facilitating their journey toward becoming key contributors to peace-building, public service, and economic development in Ireland, Northern Ireland, and beyond.
Former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar TD, and deputy First Minister Emma Little Pengelly MLA, were presented with the ‘Spirit of WIP’ award for their contribution to public life, having spent time in Washington DC on the program in 2000 and 2002 respectively.
Several events to mark the 30th anniversary have been planned which includes engagements in Parliament Buildings, Stormont, the US Consulate in Belfast, the US Embassy in Dublin and a meeting with the Taoiseach Simon Harris later today.
Nicola Skelly, Executive Director of the Washington Ireland Program said:
“We are incredibly proud to mark 30 years of nurturing future leaders from across the island of Ireland. In those three decades we have come through moments of never-ending violence and political discord, to a focused peace process and the signing of the Good Friday / Belfast Agreement in to a prosperity phase that is a beacon of hope for the world. Some of our alums have played major roles throughout that period.”
“The Washington Ireland Program at its core is about empowering the next generation to tackle the challenges of tomorrow, and as we celebrate this anniversary with a host of specially dedicated events, we would like to thank all of our partners, donors, host families and alumni who have all helped make this program as impactful as it has been on both sides of the Atlantic.”
On receiving a ‘Spirit of WIP’ award, deputy First Minister, Emma Little Pengelly MLA said:
“As we mark the 30th anniversary of the Washington Ireland Program, we celebrate three decades of remarkable leadership development that has empowered young people across our communities here in Northern Ireland. As a former alum of the program, I can testify to the work that WIP does in fostering understanding, collaboration, and resilience among future leaders here and beyond.”
“The program’s continued commitment to peace-building and cross-community engagement is an invaluable asset to our society, and I look forward to seeing the impact of the next generation of WIP leaders in shaping a more inclusive and prosperous future for us all.”
Former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar TD added:
“I am deeply honoured that WIP has presented Emma and me with these awards. I accept it on behalf of all of the alums which now sits at a remarkable number.”
“The Washington Ireland Program was a formative experience for me as a young person. It has grown substantially since I participated in 2000, but the steadfast values of leadership and service have remained.”
“The lessons young people learn and the experiences they gain, give them the tools they need to make a positive change in society.”
“I’ve had the pleasure of seeing participants take elected office, gain positions of responsibility, lead successful businesses, and advocate for those without a voice. I even hired some to be on my team when serving in Government. I look forward to seeing the program continued to go from strength to strength.”