The Forum for Peace and Reconciliation meeting in Dublin today can have an important role in restoring devolution and ensuring the full implementation of the Belfast Agreement, according to the SDLP.
This will be the first meeting of the Forum in almost five years and is taking place ahead of another round of multi-party talks at Stormont tomorrow.
While unionist parties are boycotting this afternoon's meeting of the Forum at Dublin Castle, former SDLP finance minister Mr Sean Farren said today's gathering would re-emphasise that the Belfast Agreement was an accord for the entire island.
The Taoiseach Mr Ahern, Fine Gael leader Mr Enda Kenny, SDLP leader Mr Mark Durkan, and Sinn Féin president Mr Gerry Adams are among several party leaders from the North and South who will speak at the Forum today.
"The Forum will lend impetus to finding a resolution of the current impasse. It can work alongside the talks taking place in the North," said Mr Farren.
Senator Maurice Hayes is chairing the meeting. The Forum, established in 1994 after the IRA ceasefire, last met in December 1997. Today's meeting is the 43rd plenary session of the body. It was re-activated by Mr Ahern at the suggestion of SDLP leader Mr Mark Durkan.
Other parties with representatives today include Labour, the Progressive Democrats, Alliance, the Greens, the group of independent TDs in the Dáil, the Socialist Party, the Workers' Party and the Women's Coalition. Ms Jane Morrice of the Women's Coalition said the body should find ways of making itself more inclusive of unionist opinion.
