Newly launched foundation offers insights into Ireland's model of mediation to promote social cohesion and unity amongst Bahrain's communities

Manama, 14 June 2012: The newly formed Bahrain Foundation for Reconciliation and Civil Discourse (BFRCD), which was launched on June 12th at a ceremony at the Kempinski Grand Hotel in Manama, has announced the first in a series of events.  Internationally acclaimed speaker from Northern Ireland, Peter Sheridan, will give a presentation to an audience of over 150 guests, representing all segments of Bahrain society, at 7pm on June 19th at the Sheraton's Awali Ballroom.  This event is open to the public.

Peter Sheridan is the Chief Executive of Co-operation Ireland, one of the leading peace-building charities in Ireland.  Previously he was a senior police officer for 30 years and served during the violent conflict in Northern Ireland.  His talk will set out some of his experiences during the 30 years of conflict and the challenges in building peace in a divided society. In particular he will focus on the importance of reconciliation and on the work towards a shared society built on understanding and tolerance where no-one is excluded from opportunity or left behind in the journey to participation, progress and prosperity.

With the full support of the Crown Prince, HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, the BFRCD has been registered by the Ministry of Social Development and has been formed to facilitate the exchange of ideas and values across all segments of Bahrain's communities to promote reconciliation and social unity. According to founder and Chairman of the BFRCD Board of Trustees, Suhail Ghazi Algosaibi, this presentation is one of a series of social, educational and informative events being planned. "Our mission of social cohesion and harmony, backed by a solid foundation, highest level of support and clear milestones and objectives has already resonated with Bahrain's community during our launch earlier in the week," he said, "this event is the first of many where experiences from around the world can help shed light on the options for us as we strive to help heal Bahrain".

The BFRCD takes a long term view towards helping society, looking beyond the current situation, and is bi-partisan and non-political in nature. In addition to such events, comprehensive social media campaigns will highlight the many areas in which all Bahrain society agrees, while initiating and mediating dialogue to stimulate understanding and tolerance in areas of disagreement. Plans for other

events will be announced shortly, and developments taking place within the BFRCD will be regularly announced through traditional and web-based media, including the society's new website www.bfrcd.org.  to ensure the highest level of participation and attendance.

About the Bahrain Foundation for Reconciliation and Civil Discourse
The Bahrain Foundation for Reconciliation and Civil Discourse (BFRCD) was formed in 2012 as a private, non-profit organisation to help bridge the sectarian divide in Bahrain.  With the full support of HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince of Bahrain, the organization has a long-term view focused on social reconciliation and has no political aspirations or affiliations.

The BFRCD brings together representatives from all social, ethnic and religious groups, to enable them to be heard in an atmosphere of non-judgmental mutual respect. Their vision is one of greater social cohesion and harmony through the open-minded exchange of ideas and values across all segments of the Kingdom's communities, with the purpose of promoting reconciliation and civil discourse.

The organisation plans to attract many members from different walks of life, and organise public events such as conferences and lectures, delivered by experts in the field of conflict resolution, as well as conduct workshops to promote tolerance and mutual respect among the youth of Bahrain.  The Foundation also plans to promote advanced research and delivery of white papers related to conflict resolution as well as mediation and civil discourse.

The BFRCD plans to announce its board of trustees once the names have been approved by the Ministry of Social Development.

Further information can be found at: www.bfrcd.org.

About Peter Sheridan: 
Peter Sheridan O.B.E. M.St. (Cantab) B.Sc (Hons)
Chief Executive

Peter officially took over the role of Chief Executive of Co-operation Ireland on 1 January 2009. His role is to strategically lead the organisation as it moves into the next phase in its development.

Peter was a police officer for 30 years. He started his police career as a cadet officer in 1978 and spent much of his service in the north west of Northern Ireland in uniformed policing, where he rose through the ranks from Constable to Assistant Chief Constable responsible for Rural Region.

During this time he was heavily involved in the sensitive negotiations between the various parading organisations and the residents groups in Londonderry, which resulted in an accommodation that facilitated a series of peaceful parades in the city centre.

Peter assumed responsibility for Crime Operations Department in February 2006.

Media contact:
Martina Horan,
Account Director,
H+K Strategies, Bahrain
Martina.horan@hkstrategies.com
Telephone: +973 17 533 532

© Press Release 2012