40 Years on – Reflections on How An International Fund Can Support Peace and Prosperity

40 Years on – Reflections on How an International Fund Supported Peace and Prosperity in Ireland

10.30am Thursday 24 September 2026 in Riddel Hall, Queen’s University Belfast

Post the Anglo Irish Agreement in 1985, there was an intense bi-partisan lobby of Capitol Hill to encourage the US administration to provide investment and assistance to promote peace and prosperity in Northern Ireland.  Key driving forces in this effort were Nobel Laureate John Hume, Speaker of the United States Congress, Tip O’Neill, and Senator Edward Kennedy.

In 1986, the International Fund for Ireland was established by the British and Irish Governments with funding support from the United States Administration.

From the outset, the fund promoted economic and social projects in Northern Ireland and in Border areas and encouraged contact, dialogue and reconciliation between the two major traditions.

This model of investing in social and economic aid as a major component of peacebuilding has been given increasing prominence in its ability to build both sustainable peace and development.

Quotes

“The International Fund for Ireland was a direct result of John Hume’s vision, ensuring the most marginalised communities would be part of a better and more tolerant society.”

Paddy Harte, former Chair of IFI

“The IFI has played a vital role as Northern Ireland travelled the difficult road to peace and stability. It has been a fitting monument to the extraordinary work which speaker O’Neill and Senator Kennedy have done for peace. There was no domestic political gain in it for them; if anything, it cost them support in some American-Irish circles. They acted from a genuine love for Ireland, and a commitment to non-violent ways of achieving peace and reconciliation.”

Seán Donlon, former Irish ambassador to the United States

“Jimmy Carter was the first US president to echo Hume’s message, calling in 1977 on all sides, including Irish-Americans, not to support violence. His statement also promised additional US investment in Northern Ireland to support a political solution. Kennedy, who had pushed for the statement, called it “the most important and constructive initiative ever taken by an American president on the Irish issue”. Hume pushed for US support for investment in Northern Ireland and in 1985, Congress created the International Fund for Ireland, which appropriated $20 million annually for creating jobs in Northern Ireland. Supported by President Ronald Reagan, the fund made good on President Carter’s pledge.”

Ambassador Nancy Soderberg