A two-day conference launched by NI Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie is this week bringing together local and international business, community and political leaders.

In a bid to develop a new vision for a revitalised Belfast, the event, 'Belfast: City of Quarters' Conference includes contribution from local and international representatives of business, political and community life.

It is taking place from 25th – 26th March and is focusing on the vibrant, emerging neighbourhoods across the Library/Cathedral Quarter, Port-Titanic Quarter and Gaeltacht Quarter as well as examining how each area is shaping a revitalised Belfast to the benefit of its citizens.

Minister Ritchie said: "My Department's approach to the regeneration of Belfast is to harness the new confidence in the city centre and port area, using this as a platform to promote the renewal of disadvantaged neighbourhoods around the city centre.

"We are ready to play our part in ensuring that where progress can be made progress will be made in the future regeneration of the city.

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"We have in place a robust set of regeneration masterplans and frameworks and are confident that these firm plans will be attractive to private investors."

Among the renowned speakers is Thomas Dunne of Fordham University who is credited during his tenure with global telecommunications company Verizon for the roll out of fibre-optic cable network communication in New York City, a critical factor for attracting investment to the city.

A follow up summit is scheduled to take place in 9th-10th June in New York in order to showcase the Belfast City's proposition to investors as well as political and community representatives in the US.

Terence Brannigan, Chairman at CBI Northern Ireland said that the event will provide a vocal point for cultural, business, political and community interests from each of the quarters in Belfast to come together for the first time to exchange ideas and best practice so that the capital city can speak with one voice to promote its resources, cultural diversity, expertise, skills and people both locally and internationally.

He explained: "A new and invigorated Belfast is emerging and now is the time to capitalise on the combined resources and talents available across Library/Cathedral Quarter, Port-Titanic Quarter and Gaeltacht Quarter.

"This conference will explore how these three flagship quarters can collaborate better to create more than the sum of their parts so that the economic benefits are felt throughout Belfast, particularly in areas of economic and social disadvantage."

Other speakers include Professor Richard Barnett, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ulster; Geraldine McAteer, of the West Belfast Partnership Board Howard Hastings; Chair of Northern Ireland Tourist Board and Mike Smyth, of Titanic Quarter.

(BMcC/GK)