Mike Nesbitt has delivered his first leaders' address at the Ulster Unionist Party's annual conference in Belfast.
The former broadcaster, who was elected as leader six months ago, told party delegates that tackling sectarianism was at "the heart" of what he wanted to achieve in politics.
He said he wanted the UUP to be regarded not as a "Protestant party" but as a party for all unionists.
The UUP leader said that Northern Ireland must face the inconvenient truth that ending sectarianism will take a long time.
Mr Nesbitt said he was committed to that end goal of healing religious division - something he insisted was harming the region's economy, health, education and housing sector.
In his address at the Titanic Centre in Belfast, Mr Nesbitt did not touch on the problems that have beset the once dominant party in Northern Ireland politics and instead focused on the future and his view on how the Ulster Unionists can shape it.
The Strangford Assembly member invoked the words of party founder Edward Carson that government should not be about factions or sections but for everyone.
But he added: "It is an inconvenient truth that it will take time to create a truly normal society, where everyone mixes, particularly in education, and housing."
Mr Nesbitt said the current Sinn Féin/Democratic Unionist administration at Stormont could be characterised as a government of "lost opportunities".
Critics claim the party has yet to enjoy any early political boost.
The party has suffered a series of election failures as both the DUP and cross community Alliance Party have gained at its expense.
Since Mr Nesbitt took charge, the UUP has continued to be distracted by internal wrangling and public spats.
A recent dispute with former Fermanagh South Tyrone MP Ken Maginnis over his comments on gay marriage eventually saw the veteran figure quit the Ulster Unionists.
He was sanctioned for failing to adhere to party instructions on dealing with the media as opposed to the outrage over his remarks.
