The IOWL Campus: Custom House, Belfast

A Home When Needed – Not a Monument to Maintain

The Institute of One World Leadership (IOWL) is a movement—not a monument. We exist to catalyse leadership transformation through values, not to maintain buildings or reinforce ideology.

That’s why we don’t operate a traditional physical campus. Instead, we maintain a flexible presence at the iconic Custom House in Belfast, using its historic spaces, neighbouring venues, and extensive lecture theatre, for in-person events and recordings.

Built in 1857, the Custom House originally housed government officials responsible for regulating goods entering and leaving the Seaport of Belfast—overseeing standards, flow, and integrity in trade.

At the entrance stands ‘The Speaker’, a life-size bronze statue by local artist Gareth Knowles. The building’s steps, once known as Speaker’s Corner, were a stage for public orators and passionate debate.

That legacy aligns with IOWL’s mission: to exchange knowledge, empower ethical voices, and advance Positive Value Leadership™ around the world. Just as the Custom House once upheld the principles of oversight and accountability, we now stand for calibre, consequence-awareness, and values-led influence.

All PVL programmes are delivered online—globally accessible, inclusive, and affordable. Our model is digital first, profit last. It enables us to reinvest directly into course development, platform enhancement, and bursaries—keeping fees low and access high.

When face-to-face connection is called for—fellowship events, strategic dialogues, or celebration—we return to Custom House. But our real campus is the world, and our most valuable infrastructure is people.

IOWL is not a centre that pushes ideology outward. We are a conduit for collaboration of calibre, inviting individuals and institutions to build something greater—together.

And when it comes to online delivery? ‘Virtually’ — no one beats us.

Reception

The 'Speaker'

Meeting Terrace

Leadership Lectures, Learning, and Living

Our expansive and state-of-the-art lecture and training facilities are a short 9 minute stroll across the River Lagan; with 5 star accommodation just 3 minutes from Custom House, and more modest accommodation, a mere 12 minute meander.