To mark the International Day of Peace and EU Presidency Programme, Monaghan County Council, in partnership with the Embassy of Finland, the John and Pat Hume Foundation, and the Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation, will host a special seminar entitled: Building Sustainable Peace in a Digitally Transformed World
The seminar will take place on Monday, 21 September 2026, at the Peace Campus, Monaghan Town, bringing together leading voices from the fields of peacebuilding, diplomacy, education, community development, and digital innovation.
Cllr. Aidan Campbell, Cathaoirleach of Monaghan County Council said: Societies across the world face new challenges with technological change and misinformation. This event will provide a valuable forum for sharing experiences and exploring practical approaches to peacebuilding. It is a privilege for Monaghan to host such an important discussion as part of our EU Presidency Programme 2026.
Chief Executive Robert Burns said: The Peace Campus was developed to address the needs that still exist in our communities today such as issues of segregation, fears to engage and an unwillingness to express identity. This seminar is just one of the many peace-building programmes we aim to deliver at the Peace Campus, providing opportunities for our communities to engage in a safe and welcoming setting. I wish to acknowledge and thank our partners for working closely with our team in developing this seminar. We greatly value this collaboration and hope it will be the first of many joint initiatives over the coming years.
As misinformation and political polarisation continue to shape societies globally, the seminar will examine how peacebuilding must evolve to meet contemporary challenges. Discussions will include lessons from the Northern Ireland Peace Process, explore the role of the European Union in supporting peace and democratic governance, and highlighting Finland’s internationally recognised contribution to mediation, education and conflict resolution.
A key focus of the seminar will be on the impact of emerging technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence, on democracy and social cohesion. The programme will also feature a discussion on the role of women in peacebuilding and political leadership. The seminar will explore the barriers that continue to limit participation for women and the actions needed to create more inclusive political and civic spaces.
Tim Attwood, John and Pat Hume Foundation Secretary remarked ‘We are delighted to partner with Monaghan County Council for this seminar. The International Day of Peace reminds us that peace is not a destination but an ongoing commitment that must be renewed by every generation. This seminar provides an important opportunity to reflect on how we can build and sustain peace in an increasingly digital world. The legacy of John and Pat Hume teaches us that lasting peace is built through inclusion, respect and active citizenship. It is particularly important that we recognise and support the leadership role of women in peacebuilding, whose contributions continue to strengthen reconciliation, social cohesion and community resilience. This seminar provides an important opportunity to explore how these values can guide us in creating a more peaceful and connected society for the future.”
The event forms part of the global observance of the International Day of Peace, designated by the United Nations as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace through dialogue, cooperation, and understanding among all peoples.
This event has been funded through the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Communicating Europe Initiative.
Date: Monday, 21 September 2026
Venue: Peace Campus, Monaghan Town
Theme: Building Sustainable Peace in a Digitally Transformed World
Further details, including speakers and programme information go to https://monaghan.ie/monaghan-eu-presidency-programme-july-december-2026/