Junior Ministers committed to buliding a shared and better future for all

Junior Ministers Jeffrey Donaldson and Gerry Kelly today emphasised the importance of working towards a society where there is respect and understanding for each other's traditions.

Opening the conference 'Cohesion, Sharing and Integration - our role in a better future', Junior Minister Donaldson spoke of the Executive's commitment to embracing the development of a diverse and equal society whilst recognising that challenges existed. He said:

"We have now entered a new and hopeful period in our shared history. We have an unprecedented opportunity to build a shared and better future for all.

"Our Executive welcomes the people who have chosen to come to Northern Ireland to share with us their skills and labour. Recently, we awarded almost £1million of funding to 23 different ethnic minority organisations which will provide vital support to local voluntary and community groups in their important work on improving relations between minority ethnic groups and the majority community."

Mr Donaldson however acknowledged the very real and urgent challenges that these demographic changes bring.

"Social cohesion is based on changing mindsets. We want to identify the reasons for all forms of prejudice and intolerance and tackle head-on the barriers to building a strong, shared, safe and supportive community here."

Government will shortly produce a new strategy on Cohesion, Sharing and Integration.

Mr Donaldson added: "Considerable work has been done thus far to increase community confidence and encourage community integration. We want to build on this work to ensure that those actions and projects which produce real and tangible benefits can be encouraged and replicated."

The conference was organised to mark the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue 2008. Junior Minister Kelly said there can be no excuse of justification for racist or sectarian attacks.

"In the North we are a society moving out of conflict, as society in transition. We have achieved much but there still remain unacceptable levels of intolerance, segregation, sectarianism and racism. While criminal justice matters are not yet transferred, we are working with the police service and criminal justice agencies to stamp out such attacks.

The European Project was established following the second world war. Millions had lost their lives, nations divided and economies wrecked. Against this backdrop nations said 'never again'. Dialogue and cooperation replaced conflict and competition. Mindful of their beginnings 2008 has been designated the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue by the European Union.

"Dialogue is more than talking to someone. I am struck that in Irish we do not use the phase ' to talk TO someone' but rather 'to talk WITH someone'. Dialogue is more than speaking it is about listening, absorbing, respecting and reflecting.

And so intercultural dialogue is about moving beyond mere tolerance of difference towards a transformed society where cultures can exchange and interact constructively and with mutual respect", added Mr Kelly.

The Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister is currently working on bringing forward detailed proposals for a 'Programme of Cohesion, Sharing and Integration for a shared and better future' which will build on the solid foundation established by the 'Racial Equality Strategy' and the 'Shared Future' documents.

Notes to Editors:

1. The conference in the Island Centre, Lisburn was organised by the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action in partnership with the Fatima Women's Network.
2. Media Enquiries: Press Office, Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister 028 905 21840/21595.