NICVA SUMMIT 2026 to set the stage for cross sector collaboration
Stephen Dallas, CEO of Bytes Project and NICVA Chair, Celine McStravick, NICVA CEO and Jahswil Emmanuel BEM, founder and CEO of Multi-Ethnic Sports and Cultures NI (MSCNI) and member of the NICVA Executive Committee pictured launching the 2026 NICVA SUMMIT.
The Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action (NICVA) has announced the return of its flagship NICVA Summit, taking place on 10 June at ICC Belfast amid growing pressures on voluntary organisations.
The event will bring together hundreds of leaders, practitioners and decision makers from across the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector, alongside partners from government and the business sector.
The SUMMIT, comes at a critical moment for the sector, as organisations face increasing financial and operational pressures, alongside rising demand for services in communities across Northern Ireland. It will provide a timely opportunity to share insight, highlight impact and explore collective responses to the challenges ahead.
Hosted by broadcaster Sarah Travers, the one-day event will build on the success of the inaugural NICVA Summit held in 2024, which attracted widespread engagement and was praised for its practical focus and collaborative approach.
Stephen Dallas, CEO of Bytes Project and NICVA Chair, Celine McStravick, NICVA CEO
Speaking ahead of the event, Celine McStravick, Chief Executive of NICVA said:
“Our sector plays a vital role in supporting people, strengthening communities and contributing to Northern Ireland’s social and economic wellbeing.
At a time of increasing demand and ongoing financial pressure, the NICVA SUMMIT provides an important space to come together, share insight and focus on what comes next.
It is also an opportunity to engage with partners and decision-makers, and to ensure the experience and expertise of the sector is heard in the decisions that affect it. We want this to be a moment not just for the sector itself, but for those across government and beyond to better understand its role and potential.”
This year’s programme will feature a keynote address from Matt Whittaker, Chief Executive of Pro Bono Economics, alongside a diverse line-up of guest speakers, panel discussions, interactive member-led workshops and engagement hubs. Delegates will have the opportunity to hear from sector experts, connect with peers and contribute to conversations shaping the future of the industry in Northern Ireland.
Matt Whittaker, Chief Executive of Pro Bono Economics, said:
“Civil society is one of the UK’s greatest strengths, but too often its contribution is undervalued, and its insight underused in decision-making.
At a time of growing social and economic pressure, there is a need for stronger collaboration between the voluntary, public and private sectors to develop more effective responses.
The voluntary and community sector brings deep expertise, trusted relationships and a unique understanding of people’s lived experience. The challenge now is ensuring that contribution is fully recognised and embedded in how we shape policy and deliver change.
The NICVA SUMMIT is an important opportunity to highlight that role and potential.”
At a time of significant challenge for the sector, the event promises to shine a spotlight on the charity and voluntary sector in Northern Ireland, celebrating its resilience and shaping key conversations for the future.
For more information, please visit nicvasummit.org. Early bird tickets available until 10 May.