Queen's University marked the 40th anniversary of the Anglo-Irish Agreement, a landmark development in British-Irish relations. We welcomed political leaders, diplomats, academics and members of civic society to a major conference which explored the Agreement’s origin, political context and enduring legacy.

Hosted in partnership with the HUME foundation, the Royal Irish Academy and the Department for Foreign Affairs Ireland, the conference examined the journey to the Agreement and the impact it has had internationally, and included contributions from speakers who were directly involved in the 1985 negotiations. And it doesn’t stop there. Today’s event will be followed by a companion event at Cambridge University later this month, which will reflect further on the Agreement’s historical and political impact.

“At Queen’s, we are proud to provide a space where people can come together to reflect on our shared history, and to debate, challenge, and learn from the past."

“Hosting this conference at Queen’s was a powerful reminder of the role that dialogue, diplomacy and academic reflection play in shaping a better future.” - Professor Sir Ian Greer, Vice-Chancellor