Agreement 25

The world is watching

The focus of the world was on Belfast when global political leaders past and present arrived in Belfast to mark the 25th anniversary of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement The three-day conference was hosted by Queen's University Belfast. Agreement 25 stands as a testament to the power of diplomacy and the pursuit of peace in Northern Ireland. This historic gathering brought together a constellation of political luminaries, including former President Bill Clinton, Senator George Mitchell, former Prime Minister Tony Blair, former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, Gerry Adams, Hillary Clinton, former Irish Presidents Mary Robinson and Mary McAleese, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President Charles Michel.

Historical Significance

The Good Friday Agreement, marked a historic turning point in the troubled history of Northern Ireland. It brought an end to decades of conflict and paved the way for a more peaceful and prosperous future. Agreement 25 was more than just an event; it was a celebration of a quarter-century of peace, cooperation, and looking forward to progress in the region.

Participation

We were not merely vendors or service providers at Agreement 25; we were stakeholders in history. To be a part of an event that commemorated such a pivotal moment in Northern Ireland's history was was an honour. The enthusiasm and passion of the Queen's University Belfast team were infectious, and we were equally delighted to be a part of their vision.

Teamwork and Dedication

Preparing for an event of this magnitude required meticulous planning and countless hours of hard work. We engaged in numerous rehearsals to iron out any technical and staging issues and to best second guess the ‘what ifs’. The dedication of both our team and the Queen's University Belfast team was unwavering, as we all understood the significance of this occasion.

Flexibility and Responsiveness

In the world of live events, flexibility is paramount. Agreement 25 was no exception, especially when dealing with VIPs and their ever-evolving schedules. Our team displayed remarkable adaptability and responsiveness, making adjustments on the fly to accommodate the changing circumstances. Whether it was accommodating last-minute speaker changes or adapting to unforeseen logistical challenges, we remained committed to the seamless execution of the event.

Conclusion

Agreement 25 was not just a commemoration of the past; it was a testament to the enduring commitment to peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland. It celebrated the progress made since the Good Friday Agreement and served as a reminder of the work still to be done. Our role in this historic event was a source of immense pride, and are grateful for the trust placed in us by Queen's University Belfast team.

Reflecting on this remarkable event, we are reminded of the words of Senator George Mitchell, He ended his keynote address by speaking of the future.

“We need you. We need your ongoing patience, stamina, and perseverance. We need people who believe, who know that the possible exists within the impossible.”

It was an honour to have been in the room.