The Troubles - Mark Durkan

Mark Durkan has spent much of his life navigating Northern Ireland 's difficult path from conflict to peace. A native of Derry, he was deeply involved in the negotiations and implementation of the Good Friday Agreement, later serving as Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland and as a member of Parliament.

Throughout his career, Mark has championed the idea that peace is more than a political settlement. While agreements can create the conditions for change, he believes reconciliation is sustained by the everyday work of communities, artists, educators, and ordinary citizens who choose connection over division. Drawing on decades of experience, he speaks about the challenges of addressing painful histories, building trust, and creating shared spaces where people can re-imagine a common future.

Today, through his work with the John and Pat Hume Foundation and other civic initiatives, Mark continues to encourage dialogue, understanding, and the belief that lasting peace is built one relationship at a time.

Credits:

• Photos and text, John Noltner
• Field production, summer interns Kate West, Sawyer Garrison, and Kaitlin Imai
• Audio Engineering, Razik Saifullah

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