Former taoiseach Bertie Ahern will address an event in Derry on Monday marking the 25th anniversary of the presentation of the Nobel Peace Prize to the late John Hume and David Trimble.
Regarded as the key architects of the Belfast Agreement, Mr Hume, who led the Social Democrat and Labour Party, and Mr Trimble, who was Ulster Unionist Party leader, were jointly awarded the prize in Norway on December 10th, 1998, for their contribution to the landmark peace deal that brought an end to the Troubles.
Organised by the John and Pat Hume Foundation, the commemoration at Derry’s Guildhall will feature panel discussions on human rights, social justice and leadership for peaceful change along with live music and video tributes.
[ John Hume: The Persuader by Stephen Walker – the price of peaceOpens in new window ]
Mr Trimble’s widow, Daphne Trimble, is expected to attend along with former SDLP Stormont minister Bríd Rodgers, Hume Foundation chairwoman Dawn Purvis, Derry writer Séamus O’Reilly and Kenyan human rights’ advocate Anjli Parri.
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Mr Hume and Mr Trimble donated their Nobel prize money to St Vincent de Paul and the Salvation Army, and representatives from the two charities will give addresses on poverty and homelessness.
Ahead of the event, Ms Purvis reflected on the “hope and excitement” from 1998 when institutions were created for a “new society we all craved”. She said it was time to “recapture that spirit” and “inspire current and emerging courageous leaders for peaceful change, at home and in conflicts internationally”.
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