An honorary MBE was last night awarded to Charlie Martin, the co-ordinator of the Shankill-Shankill project in recognition of his work in promoting cross-Border understanding since 1994.
The British ambassador to Ireland, Stewart Eldon, presented the MBE to Mr Martin at a ceremony in Dublin last night.
Mr Martin, who has worked with over 500 young people irrespective of religious or political background from both north Belfast and Dublin for over 10 years, said he was delighted to accept the award on behalf of the project workers.
"Someone had to come up with the idea for the project and someone has to accept the award, but I'm doing it on behalf of all who put over 12 years work into the project," Mr Martin said last night.
He added that the honorary MBE was probably the highlight of his career to date.
In 1997, the British prime minister used the project's Wall of Peace initiative during a summit meeting with president Clinton as a human story highlighting the need to find a permanent solution to Northern Ireland.
Commending the work of Mr Martin, Mr Eldon said the Shankill-Shankill project co-ordinator had succeeded in bringing together young people from two communities.