Marking 25 Years of Research into Cross Border Co-operation
Over 150 delegates attended a special conference to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Centre for Cross Border Studies under the theme Celebrating a Shared Journey and the Path Ahead.
Chairperson of the Centre for Cross Border Studies, Peter Osborne reflected on the Centre’s 25 years of fostering cross-border cooperation. Highlighting its role in driving practical actions to address shared needs and promote mutual benefits, Mr Osborne noted that the centre was “a child of the Good Friday Agreement.” He also emphasised that the centre’s “vision is about making a positive impact on the lives of people, and making it easier for decision-makers, opinion-informers and activists to understand and to do more for the mutual benefit of all.”
Patrick O’Donovan TD, Ireland’s Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, praised the Centre’s contributions and celebrated “current and former Directors, Dr Anthony Soares, Ruth Taillon and Andy Pollak,” noting that their “support across a range of initiatives has enabled my department to strengthen North-South collaboration in tertiary education.” The Minister also acknowledged its practical support through initiatives like the Border People project, which assists citizens navigating cross-border work and study.
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn, called the Good Friday Agreement a landmark achievement, commended the Centre for its ongoing work, and emphasised his own commitment to making “the most of Northern Ireland’s great economic potential and to ensure its citizens enjoy a safe and prosperous future.”
Director of the Centre, Anthony Soares, expressed gratitude for the Centre’s supporters and shared its news of its recent rebranding as the Centre for Cross Border Cooperation, reflecting its evolving mission to “support and advocate for improved North-South and East-West relations, and to provide independent analysis, means that we are trusted and punch well above our weight.” He credited the success of the Centre’s mission not only to the vision of its founding Director, Andy Pollack, but also to the passion of the Centre’s dedicated team.
