WSF Meeting in Belfast, January 2025
From 27-28 January, the Women for a Sustainable Future (WSF) network convened in Belfast, UK.
The meeting convened parliamentarians, government officials and health and environmental experts from Finland, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, Türkiye, and the UK. Participants addressed two pressing global challenges: rising Islamophobia and far-right extremism, as well as the impacts of water scarcity on health and livelihoods. Discussions aimed to enhance legislative frameworks, foster cross-regional cooperation, and strengthen women’s leadership in addressing these urgent issues.
The network meeting in the Parliament Buildings, 27 January.
Islamophobia and Far-Right Extremism in Europe
On 27 January, WSF members met with a cross-party group of Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), including Justice Minister Naomi Long and Junior Minister Aisling Reilly. This discussion provided an important opportunity for WSF members to gain insight into the Northern Ireland Executive’s efforts to tackle Islamophobia and xenophobia through legislation and social cohesion initiatives.
Justice Minister Naomi Long addressing the group. From left to right: Sinéad McLaughlin MLA (SDLP), Emma Sheerin MLA (Sinn Féin), Kate Nicholl MLA (Alliance), Naomi Long MLA (Alliance).
Minister Aisling Reilly (left) with former Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain, Zara Mohammed (left).
Assistant Chief Constable Melanie Jones addressing the group.
That afternoon, the WSF network met with Assistant Chief Constable Melanie Jones, Chief Superintendent Sue Steen (Hate Crime Lead) and Chief Inspector Patrick Mullan (Strategic Community Engagement Team, and Head of Legal Services Lloyd McKeag from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). Discussion focused on responses to the August 2024 riots in Northern Ireland, offering deeper insights into the challenges law enforcement faces in tackling hate crimes and extremist violence. The meeting also emphasised the critical need for collaboration between parliamentarians, communities, and police to build long-term social cohesion and resilience.
Lessons from Belfast: A Model for Peacebuilding
Holding the WSF meeting in Belfast was particularly significant. Northern Ireland’s journey—from deep division to peace—demonstrates the power of dialogue and cooperation. The lessons drawn from Belfast reinforced the importance of persistence, inclusivity, and political commitment in countering hate-driven violence. Several participants from the Gulf-MENA region drew parallels between Northern Ireland’s history and their own societies, highlighting how experiences from the peace process could inform approaches to overcoming sectarian divisions elsewhere.
On 28 January, WSF members had the opportunity to hear from leading women involved in Northern Ireland’s peace process: Elaine Crory (Women’s Sector Lobbyist at the Women’s Resource & Development Agency), Avila Kilmurray (Migration and Peacebuilding Executive at the Social Change Initiative), and Judith Thompson (Former Commissioner for Victims and Survivors of the Conflict in Northern Ireland). Their insights highlighted both the barriers women have historically faced in peacebuilding efforts and their crucial role in reconciliation and progress. The discussion underscored the importance of amplifying women’s voices in governance, security, and conflict resolution worldwide.
From left to right: Elaine Crory, Judith Thompson, and Avila Kilmurray.
Water Scarcity and Public Health
H.E. Wafa Bani Mustafa, Jordanian Minister of Social Development, sharing perspectives from Jordan.
Beyond issues of extremism and social cohesion, the WSF meeting also addressed the pressing challenge of water scarcity and its impact on public health, particularly in the Gulf-MENA region. Participants examined legislative frameworks, transboundary agreements, and the need to strengthen women’s leadership in water governance. Case studies demonstrated how gender-responsive policies can enhance community resilience, improve access to clean water, and mitigate health risks.
Throughout the meeting, parliamentarians, experts, and policymakers shared experiences, identified policy gaps, and developed practical, actionable solutions to address these interconnected challenges. The WSF reaffirmed its commitment to fostering inclusive policies, strengthening cross-regional collaboration, and ensuring women’s leadership remains central in shaping a more sustainable and equitable future.
Libyan Senator Majda Al Fallah providing perspectives from Libya (right) with Dutch Senator Fatimazhra Belhirch (left).
Councillor Amna Abdullatif sharing her insights (right) with Saudi Arabian representative Nadyah Aljabr (left).
Cecily (WSF Programme Manager) chairing the meeting.