Experts in International Development will join with politicians and practitioners at a showcase event in Parliament Buildings Stormont this week to celebrate partnerships in International Development.
The event, hosted by the University of Ulster and CADA (The Coalition of Aid Development Agencies) will focus on best practice projects in the field of international development currently being undertaken in Northern Ireland ahead of next week’s meeting of G8 leaders in Fermanagh. Speaking ahead of the event, Roisin McEvoy, Head of International Student Experience at the University of Ulster, stated:
“Northern Ireland has a long and distinguished track record of delivery in the field of international development. Our aid agencies have a reputation for innovation and determination which is recognised internationally and respected and cherished locally.
"The University of Ulster continues to be at the forefront of building exciting partnerships with academic institutions, businesses and governments around the world, in working to develop programmes which enhance capacity building, develop world leading research, and contribute to raising the living standards and life opportunities for some of the most vulnerable and marginalised communities.
"It is only right that, as the focus of the world’s political, economic and media attention shifts to Fermanagh for the meeting of G8 leaders next week, that the centre of our political and economic debate, Parliament Buildings Stormont, is used to project the images and issues that we, as a society, feel most strongly about."
"Wednesday’s event is an opportunity to shine a light onto an area which can have the deepest and most profound effect on people’s lives across the globe, yet is one which can also fall down the list of priorities in times of economic austerity and political uncertainty.
"The University of Ulster and CADA aim to ensure that this does not happen, that the international development work being carried out in Northern Ireland can be used as a template for a stronger and more sustainable approach to international development work, be that in the fields of health, next generation internet systems to bridge the urban rural divide, education, resource management, or business growth.
"Our event will show not only the seriousness of the issues that all of us face as global citizens, but also the real and tangible success stories that can and should be shining examples to world leaders as they begin their deliberations next week.”
ENDS
10-06-13
Notes to Editors
1. Partnerships for International Development: Education, Civil Society, Research and Innovation will be hosted by Conall McDevitt MLA, Chair of the all Party Group on International Development In the Long Gallery, Parliament Buildings, Belfast, Northern Ireland on behalf of the University of Ulster and the Coalition of Aid and Development Agencies (CADA)On Wednesday 12th June 2013 at 6.00pm
2. For a full running order of the event (including addresses from the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ulster, Professor Richard Barnett, Chancellor of the University of Ulster, James Nesbitt (via video link), and the Chair of Cada, Ms Eithne McNulty, please go to http://blogs.ulster.ac.uk/unesco/2013/06/places-still-available-for-stormont-international-development-event/
3. The University of Ulster carries out research and development partnerships with countries and regions across the world including, for example, India, China, Malawi, Uganda, Mozambique, Seychelles, and Sri-Lanka. The work of the University has been recognised by national funding agencies such as the British Council, Research Councils UK, DFID, European Union and UNICEF. A selection of case studies can be accessed at http://blogs.ulster.ac.uk/unesco/category/blog/
4. For further information please contact James Dillon (UNESCO Centre, University of Ulster) on 0774 983 3272 or at j.dillon@ulster.ac.uk