A Lancaster University researcher, who campaigns for improved support for young survivors in the aftermath of terrorist attacks, has been invited to play a key role in the eighth United Nations International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism.

Dr Cath Hill, who lectures in Social Work at Lancaster University, will take part in the event on August 21 and is one of just five people selected to take part in a panel discussion, entitled ‘United by Hope: Collective Action for Victims of Terrorism’, as part of the high-level UN event.

Dr Hill set up The Bee The Difference research project after the Manchester Arena attack in 2017 which she survived along with her son, who was just 10 at the time.

The UN’s General Assembly declared August 21 the International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism and invited all Member States, organisations of the United Nations system, as well as other international organisations and civil society entities, including non-governmental organizations and individuals, to observe the International Day in an appropriate manner.

The focus is to honour, remember, and pay tribute to the victims of terrorism, stand in solidarity with them, and promote and protect their human rights and fundamental freedoms.

This year’s theme ‘United by Hope: Collective Action for Victims of Terrorism’, is inspired by members of the Victims of Terrorism Associations Network and emphasises the hope that emerges when victims come together to transform pain into purpose.

The pre-recorded event will feature a high-level segment and a panel discussion showcasing the power of collaboration among victims and survivors.

This will open with statements from senior United Nations officials and representatives of Member States including a pre-recorded message from the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and a Global Minute of Silence.

The ensuing panel will bring together five victims and survivors of terrorism from diverse regional and personal backgrounds who are actively leading change within their communities, across borders, and through international advocacy

Through personal experiences and collaborative examples, panellists will explore how collective leadership can drive meaningful change. The session will highlight the power of victim and survivors’ leadership, the need for meaningful participation in decision-making, and how working together can transform pain into purpose.

The 40-minute structured discussion will conclude with a round of powerful closing messages from the speakers — a collective call to action addressed to the international community.

“It is such an honour to be invited by The United Nations to take part in this important panel to discuss the importance of positive collective action after terrorism and highlight some of the outputs and impact from our research,” said Dr Hill.

“It was such a privilege to work with the young survivors involved in the Bee the Difference research and to make positive change in the UK and to have this recognised on an international stage is wonderful.”

In August 2022 nine young Manchester survivors, in collaboration with Dr Hill and the National Emergencies Trust, launched the Bee The Difference survey, which was completed by 236 young people (aged under 18 at the time of the attack).

Respondents included those impacted by what happened to a loved one or friend, as well as those who were present at the Arena when the attack happened. 90% of those who took part in the survey were at the Arena, or in the vicinity, when the attack occurred, and the research looked at their experiences and after care.

The event will be broadcast live (3pm BST August 21) and on-demand on UN WebTV: bit.ly/UnitedbyHope_VoT