That was the message today at an event rich in emotion and inspiration as Queen’s Chancellor Emeritus Senator George Mitchell returned once again to the University.

With the aim of inspiring the next generation of peace builders, Senator Mitchell spoke to a packed Whitla Hall with over 600 young people and political leaders. The visit both honoured his legacy and looked firmly to the future.

The programme included an inspiring speech from Senator Mitchell, a panel discussion ‘Is Gen Z really disillusioned with democracy?’, local musicians and artists and closing words from James Lawless TD, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Government of Ireland. They all offered a range of inspiring ideas, diverse perspectives and thought-provoking discussions with a focus on the issues that matter most to young people today.

Speaking of the visit, Queen’s President and Vice Chancellor, Professor Sir Ian Greer said:

“Queen’s is privileged to have a longstanding and deeply valued relationship with Senator Mitchell, a statesman who has left an indelible mark on this region.

“Since 1845, our University has held the belief that political engagement is not confined to parliaments and policy rooms, but embedded in our communities, our cultures, and the arts. Politics in Action and Narrative 4 are two organisations that share that view.

“It was a delight to partner with them for this visit so that the young minds of today could hear first-hand from Senator Mitchell of the power of engaging in the democratic process, not as passive observers, but as active participants shaping the future.”

During the ‘Passing the Torch’ event in Queen’s Whitla Hall, a panel of young people including both school and university students discussed how they can use their voices and the political structures available to them to shape change with key themes including the importance of education, the role of women in politics and inclusivity in politics.

Addressing the young audience directly, Senator Mitchell urged the young people to take ownership of their future, saying:

“You, the young people of this island, are needed here in order to sustain this ongoing peace. Do not let your truths and your dreams leave when there is so much to be done at home.”

He added:

“Hope, then, meets hope. And that hope creates an overwhelming wave. This is what our peace needs: a wave of hope, sustained by you, so that it moves forward, and crashes onto other shores.”

Senator Mitchell also reflected on the ongoing work required to maintain peace:

“The peace we have created and enjoyed since 1998 must evolve. The work is constantly unfinished. We must acknowledge the past, but not become beholden to it. It is our job to become continually new.”

Danny Shibu, a panel member from Politics in Action and part of the Better Peace campaign reflected:

“Hearing Senator Mitchell speak was incredibly powerful. His reminder that we are now the torchbearers of peace and progress is both a challenge and a call to action we’re ready to meet.”

In his first visit to Northern Ireland since being appointed as Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD closed the event, saying:

“I am taken by the title of today’s event – Passing the Torch. Responsibility for sustaining peace now rests with all of us living on this island.

“Senator Mitchell, you were the person who enabled their participation and gave voice to people who were marginalised in a divided community. You created the context, where the focus shifted from the past to the future. You never sought for any person to forget their past and heritage, you painted the future for all.

“You – the young people in this room – are the future of this island. The leaders, the thinkers, the makers, the creators. Whether you're from Cork or Derry, Dublin or Downpatrick, you all have something in common: you are the generation who can build a future that is more inclusive, more connected, and more united in purpose than ever before.

“We’ve come a long way. But there’s more to do and the journey belongs to you now.”

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