The 10th anniversary of the Belfast Agreement's signing is being marked in Belfast today by a symposium on the accord's legacy and by a conference on dispute mediation throughout Europe.
The symposium involves Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and former US senator George Mitchell, along with many of the most prominent figures in the lengthy talks which concluded the agreement in 1998.
The agreement ultimately lead to power sharing between republicans and unionists that is in place today. A deal was reached on April 10th, 1998, Good Friday, after almost two years of negotiations culminated in a marathon final session in which Mr Ahern and British prime minister Tony Blair played leading roles.
As the event was under way, Taoiseach-elect Brian Cowen told the Dáil that politicians must continue to implement the agreeement. "There is a huge job of work to be done for the spirit of the Agreement to be implemented as well as its provisions," Mr Cowen said.
"The quality of the implementation is dependent on the spirit of the Agreement being embraced by all."
In a statement earlier, Mr Ahern said: “Ten years on from Good Friday 1998, it is a place transformed. It is now a vibrant, modern and peaceful city that is looking forward to the future with confidence".
“Of course challenges remain but these are being met and surmounted each and every day, by the political leaders and the people who are working together for a better future. It is fitting that we pause today to reflect on all that has been achieved.
“I hope and pray that everyone on this island will forever live in the light that was illuminated on this day 10 years ago.”
Senator Edward M. Kennedy issued a statement this afternoon lauding the progress made over the last 10 years.
"The people of Northern Ireland and the courageous leaders of the political parties in Northern Ireland, Ireland, and Great Britain, all deserve special recognition on this day for their deep and unwavering commitment to peace. We salute them for their extraordinary accomplishment and difficult compromises they were able to achieve to create a greater and better future for the people of Northern Ireland. Their success is an example to the world of what can be accomplished with courage and commitment. "
"I hope and pray that everyone on this island will forever live in the light that was illuminated on this day 10 years ago" - Taoiseach Bertie Ahern
Today's two-hour symposium, which is organised by Trina Vargo, president of the US-Ireland Alliance, will be chaired by BBC broadcaster Noel Thompson.
Those taking part include Gen John de Chastelain, who oversaw the decommissioning of IRA weapons; Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness; former SDLP leader John Hume and his successor Mark Durkan; Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams; Ulster Unionist leader Sir Reg Empey; former minister for foreign affairs David Andrews; former Progressive Democrats junior minister Liz O'Donnell; former Northern Secretary Paul Murphy; Prof Monica McWilliams, formerly of the Women's Coalition; former Alliance leader and first speaker of the Assembly, Lord Alderdice; Progressive Unionist Party leader Dawn Purvis and former representative of the Ulster Democratic Party, David Adams.
First Minister and DUP leader Dr Ian Paisley is in Washington where he is preparing for next month's investment conference, also to be held in Belfast.
DUP Ministers, who opposed the Belfast Agreement in 1998, including Finance Minister Peter Robinson and Industry Minister Nigel Dodds, are due to join Stormont colleagues for an Executive meeting later this morning but do not have any other public engagements, according to the Executive Information Service.