Global Irish Economic Forum PTIII

diaspora — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 00:37:40 +0000

Following on from the initial conference back in September 2009, the second Global Irish Economic Forum is fast approaching and looks set to be quite a major event. Scheduled for 7-8 October in Dublin Castle, almost 280 invitees from the Global Irish Network have confirmed their attendance and, as recently announced, they will also be joined by President Bill Clinton.

Government Ministers, the State Agencies, members of the Opposition and leading Irish based business figures will also be participating, and President McAleese will be the guest of honour at a formal dinner for participants on Friday, 7 October.

The key objectives:

Engage fully with the Irish Diaspora in developing Ireland’s global business and trade relations
Discuss face-to-face the Government’s priorities for economic renewal with key members of the international business community
Strengthen ties with the Irish Diaspora as a key part of the Government’s efforts to restore Ireland’s international reputation abroad

Live internet screening of the key discussions is promised, and hopefully we’ll also get visibility of Bill Clinton’s speech. The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr Eamon Gilmore, has indicated that there will be a strong follow-up mechanism, and it will be interesting to see if the initiative gains further momentum as a result.

DFA Forum Progress Reports
Global Irish Economic Forum PTII
Global Irish Economic Forum PTI

Global Irish Economic Forum Pt II

diaspora — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 04:29:07 +0000

On an optimistic note that starts to put meat on the bone, developments are starting to flow from the Farmleigh conference that took place earlier this year.

The report from the conference is available here, and in a statement yesterday Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin, announced that an immediate €2.3 million will be provided towards the construction of a new Irish Arts Center in Manhattan, New York.

It appears the initiative stems from a governmental Strategic Review of Ireland U.S. Relations, published last March, and that further impetus was given to the project following Farmleigh. This moves that occasion beyond what was termed by some as a ‘talking shop’, and into the early stages of a concrete action plan.

In what can be described as true partnership the City of New York is providing a site valued at $12 million and a further $8 million in capital funding, and New York City Mayor Bloomberg, Christine Quinn and Gabriel Byrne were recognised for their support and efforts in helping bring this initiative to fruition.

‘The new Center will project a dynamic image of Ireland and Irish America across the U.S.; it will facilitate extensive Irish-related cultural, business and community programs; will showcase quality contemporary Irish theater and art; and will also provide an invaluable resource for the Irish emigrant community in the U.S.’

Minister Martin indicated this is just a first step in the diaspora programme and that he will be making further announcements in the new year. These may include:

A new Global Irish Network
Establishment of an Irish innovation center in Silicon Valley
A Gateway Ireland portal (promoting Ireland and engaging with our global community)
Expanded educational exchange and scholarship programs
A new Farmleigh Overseas Graduate Program

He said projects being considered by other departments may also be in the pipeline, and that the private sector were also active in formulating initiatives that would have the support of the government.

So, early signs are positive, and we’ll try and keep up to date with developments as they transpire.

The Irish Diaspora » Global Irish Economic Forum

Global Irish Economic Forum PTIII

Global Irish Economic Forum Pt II