Peace through Economic Opportunity, Cross-Cultural Understanding and Public-Private Partnership: A Case Study of the Irish Peace Process Cultural Training Programme

Abstract

In support of the Irish Peace Process, the Walsh Visa Programme provided job and training opportunities in the United States for unemployed youths from Northern Ireland and designated border counties of the Republic of Ireland. The premise was that unemployed youth from all sides of the sectarian divide could benefit from the experience of peaceful coexistence through living and working in a multicultural society and return home better able to contribute to their economy and sustainable peace. More than a thousand participants were involved in the programme over 10 years. This article summarises the programme's challenges, achievements and lessons learned through the lens of economic development and justice, reconciliation, and public-private partnerships.