"Belfast an Inclusive City?" Exploring Issues of Racism and Diversity, Queens University Belfast - February 2005

The Irish Association held a conference which looked at the increasing diversity of the population across Ireland and the impact of this at a social, cultural and political level. The conference examined a number of issues including the causes of racism, the economic benefits of a diverse workforce and public policy responses to racism and its effects. Speakers at the conference included, Dr Paul Connolly, Jamal Iwedia from the Belfast Islamic Centre, Evelyn Collins Chief Executive of the Equality Commission and Aileen O 'Donogohue from the Irish Business and Employers Confederation.

Speakers from Belfast, Dublin (IBEC and ICTU), Edinburgh City Council, and Zimbabwe Solidarity Campaign. The conference was introduced by the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Tom Eakin. Other speakers included Equality Commission, Institute of Directors, Northern Ireland and NICEM and Head of Research, Granada School of Education, QUB.