The world renowned Daniel Libeskind (pictured), who is national planner at Ground Zero and the architect behind the Jewish Museum in Berlin, delivered a message of hope as he helped to launch a £2.5 million research programme that will boost Northern Ireland's real estate sector.

The University of Ulster Real Estate Initiative brings together key players in the real estate sector from all over Ireland to support a £2.5 million research programme targeted at enhancing the quality and practice of urban development, construction and urban design.

Mr Libeskind gave a compelling presentation of his landmark international buildings as he delivered the key note address at the launch.

The award-winning New York architect said: "I was here in Belfast some years ago and I want to tell you I am so impressed by the immense change and transformation in this part of Ireland.

"It's wonderful what peace has brought to the spirit of development and the spirit of optimism.

" That is the essential quality not just of cities but also of the human condition.

"This new initiative is a fantastic way to bring together all the forces that make for a life worth living and a future worth working for."