PEACE Programme Learning Platform showcased at Brussels event

As part of our international marketing activity, SEUPB showcased the PEACE Programme Learning Platform in Brussels during EU Regions Week in October. 

The Platform is an online repository which contains information and records related to EU-funded projects. It holds thousands of project case studies, research documents, reports, audio-recordings, testimonials, films and photographs. 

More than 50 people attended the event in Brussels which was supported by the European Commission, The Permanent Representation of Ireland to the EU, the UK Mission to the European Union and The Office of the Northern Ireland Executive in Brussels. 

Attendees heard from a number of speakers about how and why the Platform was established and its role now and in the future. 

Paul Beattie, Director of the SEUPB’s Managing Authority gave guests a live demonstration of how the Platform worked and explained: 

It is a living archive of the work funded by the EU Peace Programmes over the last three decades. Not only does it showcase the achievements of more than 22,500 projects but it also provides inspiration for the continual integration of communities in post-conflict societies – in Northern Ireland and around the world. 

Through it, users can discover information about the EU peace and reconciliation projects or collaborate with others who have benefitted from PEACE funding.

Gina McIntyre, Chief Executive of the SEUPB, said: 

The Platform shares the lessons and lived experiences of peacebuilding - providing a resource for those involved in peace and reconciliation work including academics, researchers and journalists. It can also help with developing integration tools and projects for minority groups. 

“It provides examples of good practice, lessons learnt and inspiration for the future for post-conflict regions, but also has much wider applications and relevance for projects across Europe which are working with a range of beneficiaries including children and young people, women and minority groups, and addressing matters of justice and integration.

Dr Martin McMullan, Chief Executive of YouthAction NI joined SEUPB at the event to share his experience of the Platform as a vital resource for collaboration. A video message from Elisa Ferreira, European Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms was also shown to delegates, as well as a short film from SJC Consultancy about the development and building of the Platform.

Special guests Ambassador Barbara Cullinane, Deputy Permanent Representative of Ireland to the EU and Paul D’Silva, Head of Northern Ireland Team, UK Mission to the EU also addressed the audience.