On 16 September 2026, Kateryna Zaichyk, a representative of a Ukrainians in Northern Ireland charitable organisation, attended a special event hosted by the Coalition of Aid and Development Agencies in Northern Ireland (CADA) at Parliament Buildings, Stormont, Belfast.

 📍 The event marked the launch of CADA’s new report, Establishing an International Development Function in Northern Ireland, and brought together representatives from charitable and community organisations, experts, and members of the political sector.

Building a Stronger International Development Function

The discussion focused on the potential establishment of a dedicated international development function in Northern Ireland, similar to arrangements already in place in other devolved regions of the United Kingdom.

According to CADA, organisations across the coalition collectively support more than 130,000 people in Northern Ireland. This highlights the significant contribution of the voluntary and charitable sector to humanitarian work, international development, and efforts to address global challenges.

 🌍 The event also highlighted Northern Ireland’s unique experience in peacebuilding and the potential to share this expertise with communities and organisations internationally. A dedicated mechanism for international development could provide a foundation for more structured and strategic international cooperation, creating further opportunities for knowledge-sharing and partnership.

Speakers and Contributors

The event featured contributions from a number of leading voices in international development and public life, including:

  • Kate Nicholl MLA, who opened and moderated the event;

  • Eithne McNulty, CADA, who presented the coalition’s work and the report’s key recommendations;

  • Lord Jack McConnell, former First Minister of Scotland, who shared insights from Scotland’s experience of developing an international development policy;

  • Frances Guy, Scotland’s International Development Alliance (SIDA);

  • Peter Heaney, Chair of CADA and Head of Region NI at Trócaire.

Strengthening Ukrainian–Northern Irish Cooperation

For the Ukrainian charitable sector, participation in events such as this provides an important opportunity to contribute to professional dialogue, share Ukrainian experience, develop new partnerships, and strengthen cooperation between Ukrainian civil society and organisations across Northern Ireland.

 🤝 We are grateful to CADA for the invitation and for the opportunity to take part in an important discussion about the future of international development in Northern Ireland.

The event was also a valuable reminder of the role that civil society and charitable organisations can play in building stronger international connections, supporting communities, and facilitating the exchange of experience between countries.

We would like to thank all the speakers and participants for their insightful contributions, openness, exchange of experience, and the opportunity to establish new professional connections.

We are pleased to be part of this dialogue and look forward to continuing to develop cooperation between the Ukrainian and Northern Irish civil society sectors. 🤝

(* With the support of the Consulate of Ukraine in Edinburgh and the Honorary Consul of Ukraine in Northern Ireland.)