Visit of Mike Nesbitt MLA 

Hope and Dialogue at the Heart of Hume Foundation Annual Lecture

St Mary’s University College was pleased to host the Hume Foundation Annual Lecture on Thursday, 8 May 2025, welcoming keynote speaker Mike Nesbitt MLA, Trustee of the Hume Foundation and Leader of the Ulster Unionist Party. The event, titled “Building Common Ground”, drew a full audience to the College Hall and marked a moment of reflection and forward-looking dialogue.

The Principal of St Mary’s, Professor Peter Finn, opened the event by welcoming guests and highlighting the significance of the Hume Foundation’s mission. “We are honoured to support the work of the Hume Foundation in encouraging inclusive dialogue and civic engagement,” he said. “Hosting this lecture reinforces our College’s commitment to peace, education and respectful political discourse.”

In his keynote address, Mr Nesbitt spoke candidly about his life experiences, the legacy of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement, and the enduring message of hope and respect for diversity espoused by John Hume. “The answer to difference is to respect it,” Nesbitt said, quoting Hume’s Nobel Peace Prize lecture. “Therein lies a most fundamental principle of peace.”

Mr Nesbitt used the lecture to reflect on how moments of personal loss, educational transformation and professional growth shaped his understanding of hope and reconciliation. He spoke movingly about the Good Friday Agreement as a defining “memorable day” of his life, envisioning a future of peace for his children and their generation.

Students from the College contributed to the event, asking challenging and insightful questions ranging from the future of the Good Friday Agreement to the role of the Irish language in building cross-community understanding. One question asked how faith in politics could be restored among young people. Mr Nesbitt responded by underlining the importance of participation, dialogue and creating opportunities for all. “If you’re only prepared to enter a room full of people who think like you,” he warned, “we’re not going to make a lot of progress.”

Student engagement throughout the event was prominent, with many expressing their appreciation for the opportunity to speak directly with a senior political leader. “It was inspiring to hear someone speak so honestly about their past and their vision for our future,” said one student. “It gave me real hope that change is still possible.”

The event was chaired by human rights advocate Sara Canning and attended by representatives from education, politics and civic society. The atmosphere was one of shared reflection and constructive dialogue ­-hallmarks of the Hume Foundation’s ethos.

The College thanks all who participated in making the lecture a success and looks forward to continuing its partnership with the Hume Foundation in promoting peace, hope and mutual understanding.

Link to Story by the Ulster Unionist Party