EPAS: Honouring John Hume’s Legacy of Peacebuilding

Over three inspiring days from 1–3 December 2025, more than 100 students and teachers from Ireland and Northern Ireland gathered in John Hume’s hometown of Derry/Londonderry for a unique cross-border event focused on peacebuilding and reconciliation.

Co-organised by the European Parliament Liaison Offices in the UK and Ireland, together with the John and Pat Hume Foundation and the Northern Ireland Youth Forum, the event took place in the historic Guildhall under the theme “Peacebuilding and Reconciliation in Northern Ireland and the Legacy of John Hume”.

The programme brought together young people from both sides of the border through a rich mix of education, dialogue and culture. Highlights included:

  • An opening screening of archival footage of Nobel Peace Prize laureate John Hume
  • Ice-breaker activities and workshops on disinformation and democratic participation led by the Northern Ireland Youth Forum
  • A high-level roundtable on EU–Northern Ireland relations featuring MEPs and prominent political figures
  • A keynote address on youth democratic engagement by Stephen Clark, Director of the European Parliament Liaison Offices
  • Powerful school presentations and a youth panel on peacebuilding co-hosted with Youth Action Northern Ireland
  • A moving talk by former Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Lilian Seenoi-Barr
  • Guided tours of the Guildhall, the city walls, and the popular Derry Girls Experience museum
  • An energetic céilí and Irish dance performance by the Conomy Bradley Doherty Academy School of Dance, featuring U’13 World Champion Fae McCrudden and fellow dancers

Welcome addresses were delivered by Maria Linnus (Head of the European Parliament Liaison Office in the UK), Stephen Clark (Director of Communications at the European Parliament) and Tim Attwood (Foundation Secretary of the John and Pat Hume Foundation).

The high-level panel discussion, chaired by Maria Linnus, featured Kathleen Funchion MEP, former MEP John Cushnahan, and Mark Durkan (former Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland and former MP), who reflected on the continuing relevance of John Hume’s vision for peace and European cooperation.

The event concluded with the presentation of certificates to all participants and a final session of shared reflections on what peacebuilding means for the next generation.

Participating European Parliament Ambassador Schools

From Ireland

  • Our Lady of Mercy College, Beaumont, Dublin 9
  • St. Columba’s College, Stranorlar, Co. Donegal
  • Edmund Rice Secondary School, Carrick-on-Suir, Tipperary
  • College of the Immaculate Conception, Summerhill, Sligo
  • Errigal College, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal

From Northern Ireland

  • Belfast Boys’ Model School
  • Strangford Integrated College, Carrowdore, Newtownards
  • Mercy College Belfast
  • St Colman’s High and Sixth Form College, Ballynahinch

Guest school

  • Foyle College, Derry/Londonderry

The European Parliament Ambassador School Programme continues to foster active European citizenship and cross-community understanding among young people on the island of Ireland, with John Hume’s enduring message of dialogue and reconciliation at its heart.