Strengthening Democracy and Reconciliation through Ethical and Respectful Political Discourse

The John and Pat Hume Foundation and Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation launched the Civility Pledge and hosted an in-person discussion on how we can promote a more ethical and respectful political discourse in the Crescent Arts Centre, 2-4 University Road, Belfast BT7 1NH at 12 noon on Tuesday 19 March 2024, as part of the IMAGINE! Festival.

Speakers include: Dawn Purvis, Chair, John and Pat Hume Foundation, Cara Hunter MLA, Cllr Linzi McLaren, Alison Allen NILGA and the Jo Cox Foundation.

We are all concerned that toxic political discourse is growing and evidence shows that negative aspects such as ‘attack and defend’ politics, partisanship, disinformation, misogyny, racism,  hate speech and populism are both polarising and divisive in our society.

It is vital that we all promote a respectful and ethical political discourse which promotes confidence in the political process; encourages people to engage in politics and furthers reconciliation and democracy.

We want to urge political parties, candidates, party members and the wider public to commit to respectful campaigning,  and positively shape political discourse.