#HaasHope Conference to hear the voice of the 16–25s
We have a 16 year old peace process but where is the 16 year old voice? This is the question a group of Christian agencies have been asking themselves recently following the failure of the Haass talks to reach an agreement. This has led to #Haass hope, a conference for 250 young people of Protestant and Catholic faith aged 16–25 being held in the Riddel Hall at Queen’s University Belfast on 23 March 2014.
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Peace making isn’t seen as relevant for many young people compared to other social justice issues. It can be lost on a younger generation who see the Troubles as a previous generation’s moral failure. #Haass hope seeks to encourage greater engagement amongst young people with the political process and to examine how their faith and values should direct their attitudes and actions. There will be space to discuss issues such as the past, parades and flags and learn from others. Most importantly, the young people will have their hopes and dreams heard by local politicians and church leaders.
Encouraging young people to engage positively in the quest for peace and prosperity in this place is crucial. During her recent visit to Northern Ireland, Michelle Obama said young people can solve Northern Ireland’s age old problems. Addressing around 2000 school children and university students at the Waterfront Hall she said, “you have the freedom of an open mind, you have a fresh perspective”.
Jasper Rutherford, from Summer Madness comments, ‘The young people of today are the leaders of tomorrow. This will be a day of challenge and inspiration, a day when permission is granted to younger generations to think and dream differently about the future of this island’.
The organisations involved all shared a Christian ethos and values and together seek the peace and wellbeing of all in our society. These organisations are Corrymeela, Evangelical Alliance, Irish Churches Peace Project, Summer Madness, Youth Link, Youth Initiatives, Living Youth, YMCA Ireland and the Chaplaincies at QUB.