An influential group of business leaders from across Northern Ireland have come together to launch the fifth year of the acclaimed Centre for Democracy and Peace Fellowship Programme.

The Class of 2026, comprising of 28 Fellows from political, business, public, and civic society sectors, will take part in a seven-month journey designed to build a powerful network of cross-sector collaboration.

The programme is built on the belief that the most pressing challenges facing Northern Ireland can only be addressed when leaders from different sectors work together, share expertise, and innovate collectively.

The Fellows were officially sworn in at commencement event at Stormont yesterday, Wednesday 3 September, which was attended by deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, hosted by Mark Davenport and sponsored by past fellow, Cheryl Brownlee MLA.

The event opened with keynote remarks from deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly and Darragh McCarthy, chair of the Centre for Democracy and Peace, who welcomed this year’s fellowship cohort, and an engaging panel session with advisory board members, before moving into team-building sessions led by Andrew Toogood and concluding with a lively alumni panel discussion.

This year’s cohort reflects the highest number of applications in the programme’s history. The successful candidates represent a diverse cross-section of society, from councillors to CEOs and business leaders, alongside representatives from charities, education, health, and the civil service.

The Fellowship is supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, as well as leading employers including Camlin Group, FinTrU, Fujitsu NI, NIE Networks, Ulster Carpets, Allstate NI, and the Irish American Partnership.

Cheryl Brownlee MLA, and Fellowship alumni said: “It was a pleasure to host the launch of the 2025/26 Fellowship Programme. The Fellowship Programme was a transformative experience that challenged me to think differently, collaborate more deeply, and lead with greater purpose. It’s an invaluable opportunity for anyone committed to shaping a better future for Northern Ireland.”

Fellowship Advisory Board Chair, Darragh McCarthy, added: “Now in its fifth year, the Fellowship Programme continues to be a powerful platform for ambitious leaders in Northern Ireland, and today’s diverse group of Fellows shows just how much appetite there is for collaboration across politics, business and wider society. Our partners are proud to support the programme once again and to see it go from strength to strength.

It is inspiring to have the backing of the deputy First Ministers recognising the value of bringing leaders together to tackle challenges and spark fresh ideas about the future of Northern Ireland.”