The conference was held in Oxford Island, Lurgan and was attended by local government, equality groups, elected representatives, community groups and public bodies.

Charo Lanao-Madden, Rural Community Network's Good/Community Relations Officer explained the reason behind the conference 'People have the right to be different because we are different. How society responds to those differences creates the conditions and context, shaping how and whether they can access and participate in social and economic resources, how they are included and excluded.' Charo continued 'Our capacity and effectiveness in dealing with inequality and exclusion will depend on the quality, depth and breadth of our relationships - our strong premise is that the sustainability of rural areas is dependent on and will be shaped by how inclusive we are.'

Professor John Bryden, University of the Highlands and Islands, was keynote speaker at the event and brought a European perspective on the equivalent treatment of rural and urban citizens in terms of human, social and political rights and including access to public services.

Minister for Agriculture, Michelle Gildernew, attended the event and said she was reminded daily of the challenges faced by those who lived and worked in rural areas. The Minister spoke of her commitment to working together in the development of a Rural White Paper and called for all stakeholders to commit and input to the development of the proposals.

Michael Hughes, Chief Executive Officer with Rural Community Network echoed the Minister's call to stakeholders and set a challenge to them to play a critical part in establishing a blueprint for the future of shared and sustainable rural communities. Speaking at the event, Michael said 'Rural Community Network has campaigned for many years for a Rural White Paper and is delighted that the Minister took the opportunity to use the event to give further details on the Department's work in progressing the rural champion and Rural White Paper. He added 'The event highlighted the opportunities lost to rural society and to the region as a whole if we do not address the issues of social exclusion, discrimination and community/good relations. I hope that with the help of everyone with an interest in rural, there will be a strong and effective role for rural champions and a functioning rural policy through the Rural White Paper.'

For further information on Rural Community Network, please contact the office on 028 8676 6670 alternatively visit www.ruralcommunitynetwork.org