A new peacebuilding initiative called the FORWARD Project launched in Derry with €2.7 million in funding. The project partners five organisations: Leafair Community Association Ltd, Ulidia Community Empowerment, Evolve NI, Éalú, and TIDES. It targets reconciliation across the Derry region.

The project seeks to train community leaders from diverse groups, including women, young people, ex-prisoners, ex-combatants, and ethnic communities. Leaders will gain skills and networks to improve relations between people of different backgrounds.

The launch took place at Leafair Wellbeing Village in Derry. Attendees included Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Dara Calleary TD and Minister of State for Community Development and Charities Jerry Buttimer TD.

Dara Calleary TD expressed appreciation for partners in the project, noting support from his department, the Special EU Programmes Body, and the Northern Ireland Executive Office.

Jerry Buttimer TD stated the funding promotes respect-based relationships, values cultural diversity, and enables participation free from prejudice or intolerance.

SEUPB CEO Gina McIntyre said the project aligns with the PEACEPLUS Programme by fostering understanding and engagement across communities and borders. She noted its focus on reconciliation, leadership, and marginalised groups.

Donna Hutton, manager at lead partner Leafair Community Association Ltd, said the project empowers post-Good Friday Agreement generations to foster dialogue and reconciliation across communities and borders.

At the event, Gina McIntyre presented certificates to the first group of leaders who completed an OCN Level 3 course in mediation skills from TIDES.