NICVA, 27 February 2003

Kenneth Branagh, well known Belfast born actor and director, and Hon President of NICVA, has thrown his weight behind the peace-building campaign 'One Small Step'.

The campaign was launched today with advertisements in the Irish News and the News Letter. It calls on groups and individuals to show their support for peace-building in Northern Ireland by committing to a number of principles, based on the vision of the Programme for Government which was agreed by the Northern Ireland Executive.

Kenneth Branagh said: "As NICVA’s President, I am delighted that it has come together with other organisations and individuals to support this campaign, which I think is critical to Northern Ireland’s future. It is important that we, like others in Co-operation Ireland, the Arts Council and the many other organisations and institutions involved encourage everyone to do their bit, large or small, to do what they can to make a better future for all. This campaign builds on the work of many organisations in Northern Ireland which are committed to working for the common good and towards a peaceful future based on equality and mutual respect. I respect enormously all those helping to create that future for everyone in Northern Ireland and even from afar people like myself are honoured to join with that support for all the positive work of so many organisations at home in Northern Ireland."

Branagh continued: "NICVA, like others, will do its best to work towards reconciliation, tolerance, mutual trust and the upholding of human rights for all. At this stage we are asking others to reflect on what they can do for peace in 2003. One small step from everyone can take us a long way."

Aims of the One Small Step campaign:

• Giving individuals and groups the opportunity to recognise the importance of their role in peace building
• Creating opportunities for all to take action in securing a peaceful and meaningful future
• Recognising the things that have got better
• Celebrating and valuing all that is unique and special in all our cultural heritages.

• I commit to working for the common good and towards a peaceful future that is based on equality and mutual respect
• I will take an active role in my daily life to ensure the society I live in is inclusive, peaceful, just and fair
• I will personally work towards reconciliation, tolerance, mutual trust and the upholding of human rights for all.