University welcomed Ireland-Wales Ministerial Forum
The third Ireland-Wales Ministerial Forum took place at the University on the 19th and 20th of October. The forum, which is a part of the Ireland-Wales Programme, celebrated the long-standing cooperation between Ireland and Wales in various fields, fostering camaraderie and innovation.
The distinguished event began with a meeting between the First Minister of Wales and the Tánaiste of Ireland, who discussed matters of mutual interest.
This was followed by a joint reception at Powis Hall, which brought together project leaders, stakeholders, and the Irish diaspora, reaffirming the commitment to strong relations.
Iain Quick, the Welsh Government representative to Ireland, warmly welcomed the First Minister Mark Drakeford and the Tánaiste Micheál Martin.
During this two-day visit, Tánaiste Micheál Martin expressed his admiration for the "unique" relationship that binds Ireland and Wales. Mr Martin, who also serves as Ireland's Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence, was accompanied by Simon Harris, Ireland's Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation, and Science.
The visit saw the Tánaiste and Welsh First Minister, Mark Drakeford, explore various sites in North Wales, including Holyhead Port, the Morlais Hydrogen Hub, and a Welsh-language school with historical ties to Ireland. Whilst Simon Harries, the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (Ireland) and Lesley Griffiths the Cabinet Secretary for Energy, Planning, and Rural Affairs in the Senedd, attended Ty Gwyrddfai, the decarbonisation hub led by Adra with Bangor University’s input as well as M-Sparc the University's science park.
Furthermore, the ministers were introduced to projects funded by Agile Cymru, focusing on four central themes. Notably, Shelagh Malham, Professor in Marine Biology presented on the theme of Sustainable Blue initiatives, while Enlli Thomas, Interim Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, provided valuable insights into language preservation. John Parkinson, Professor at the School of Psychology and Sport Science presented on the theme of Innovation and Professor Einir Young, Senior Research Fellow at the School of History, Law and Social Sciences and Gwenan Griffith, Sustainability Officer, addressed the Communities and Culture theme.
The third Ireland-Wales Ministerial Forum once again highlighted the enduring bond between these neighbouring nations and their dedication to advancing collaboration for a brighter future. This ongoing partnership promises to yield exciting prospects for both countries in various areas of cooperation.
