Beyond the Millennium Development Goals

The Society of African Missions (SMA), the Trinity International Development Initiative (TIDI) and Social Justice Ireland co-hosted a Conference titled Beyond the MDGs: the future of Africa and Ireland's role.

The Long Room Hub in Trinity College was full to capacity on 8 November 2012 to listen to several speakers addressing such issues as the status of the economic and social development in Africa as well as the future of African development and in particular Ireland's role in this work.

The meeting began with a brief address from Dr Martina Hennessy (TIDI Chairperson) and Fr Sean Healy SMA set the context for the Conference. Dr Carol Newman of TCD chaired the meeting.

The missionary perspective on this issue was given by the SMA Provincial Leader, Fr Fachtna O'Driscoll, in his talk at the Conference, which was part of the SMA celebrations for the Centenary of the establishment of the Irish Province

As well as the above speakers we also heard from Mr Joe Costello TD, (Minister for Trade & Development in the Dept of Foreign Affairs), Dr Charles Akelyira (UNDP), Dr Lorna Gold (Trocaire), Mr Don Sexton (Irish Aid, Dept of Foreign Affairs), Dr Paul Walsh (UCD) and Dr Micheál Collins (Nevin Institute).

After listening to every three presentations, time was allowed for questions which were addressed to the entire panel of speakers. There was a good sharing, though the time did not allow for extensive debate. There was a good cross section of participants, from experienced missionaries to development workers to university students interested in development issues etc.

Light lunch was served to all at the conclusion of the Conference.

Our photo shows, from left, Fachtna O'Driscoll SMA, Martina Hennessy, Carol Newman, Charles Akelyira, Lorna Gold, Don Sexton and Sean J Healy SMA.