US SECRETARY OF STATE VISITS DCU

12/2012

US Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton, has launched a new Institute for International Conflict Resolution and Reconstruction at Dublin City University. During a significant and wide-ranging global human rights address in The Helix entitled, Front Lines & Frontiers – Making Human Rights a Human Reality, Secretary Clinton said:

“This university is renowned, not just for your world–class academics but also your engagement with the world – your international student body, your commitment to help solve urgent global problems through study and innovation, and your new Institute for International Conflict Resolution and Reconstruction, which I can assure you will have a busy agenda ahead of it. Because you are absolutely right that the lessons learned here in Ireland about how to build peace could be of great use to other peoples and nations. And I commend the university for your global service, which has such ramifications far beyond the academic world.”

The establishment of the Institute will build on existing expertise within the campus and DCU’s reputation as the principal academic centre in Ireland for the study of international relations and conflict resolution, to bring the successful experience of the Irish peace process to other regions of conflict. It will focus on policy and practice on the implementation phase of peace processes and post-conflict reconstruction.

Speaking at the event, President of DCU, Professor Brian MacCraith said,

“Building on her commitment to peace on this island, it is fitting that Secretary of State Clinton joins us today and launches DCU’s new Institute for International Conflict Resolution and Reconstruction. Our aim is to learn lessons from our own history here in Ireland, and to apply those lessons in both current-conflict and post-conflict regions around the world. Working with partners, nationally and globally, DCU will build on its strong expertise in this area and focus on the implementation phase of peace processes and post-conflict reconstruction.”

The Secretary of State addressed an audience of more than one thousand including DCU students and staff, government representatives and members of the diplomatic corps.

For further information and video of the visit to DCU, please click here