Watch last year’s event highlights
About The Summit
Global cooperation and multi-perspective dialogue has never been more important when it comes to crafting the future of our societies and economies. Trade wars and agreements, the AI era, security and defence, and the health economy are some of the challenges and opportunities currently dominating newspaper headlines, policymaking and boardroom conversations.
These were the main themes at a massively successful Global Economic Summit 2025, which took place at The Europe Hotel, Co. Kerry, Ireland, on 26-28 May. It convened international business leaders, diplomats, politicians, social advocates, economists and financiers in an inspiring and energising retreat-style setting where they were able to engage, brainstorm, negotiate and drive progress with a permanent press presence onsite to report on newsworthy announcements as they occurred.
Global Economic Summit is a not-for-profit business forum and is independent and impartial. We believe that different perspectives have to be in the room in order to define meaningful solutions with achievable impact. All sides of the political arena are present in our agenda and audience registration is by invitation only through a carefully curated guestlist, so that we can ensure a balanced representation of sectors and standpoints, driving essential discussion both on and off stage.
If you believe your voice is important to these conversations, please register your interest for 2026 and we'll share a Save The Date over the summer.
“Global Economic Summit is an important and necessary gathering. It is about our ability to build an economy that is primarily about people, and one that recognises that we are all in this together and that our wellbeing depends on that of others.”
– Martin O’ Malley
Agenda Preview 2025
Monday 26th May
Opening Address:
Céad Míle Fáilte: Pioneers at the Crossroads of Innovation and Unity
Monday 26th May
Democracy & Justice in 2025:
Affects on the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection
In 2025, the foundations of democracy and justice face unprecedented challenges. From the rise of AI-driven governance to the impact of geopolitical instability, economic shifts, and digital misinformation, the rule of law is being tested in new and complex ways.
- The resilience of democratic institutions in an era of political and technological disruption.
- The evolution of consumer protection in the face of AI, data privacy concerns, and regulatory shifts.
- The role of business, policymakers, and civil society in safeguarding legal and ethical frameworks.
Monday 26th May
The AI-Powered Workforce: Redefining Jobs, Skills, and Productivity
As artificial intelligence transforms industries at an unprecedented pace, the nature of work is evolving. From automation and augmentation to the creation of entirely new roles, AI is reshaping how businesses operate and how employees contribute.
- The future of human-AI collaboration and the skills that will define tomorrow’s workforce.
- How AI is driving productivity and innovation across industries.
- The policy and ethical considerations around AI-driven workforce disruption.
Monday 26th May
Driving A Sustainable Energy Future
As the world accelerates toward a net-zero future, the intersection of policy, technology, and investment is redefining the global energy landscape. This keynote will explore how governments, corporations, and financial institutions can drive the transition to sustainable energy while ensuring economic resilience and energy security.
Monday 26th May
Drinks Reception/ BBQ
Monday 26th May
Killarney Global Village
Partners
Headline Sponsor
Testimonials
Venue and Getting to GES25
Global Economic Summit 2025 is taking place at The Europe Hotel and Resort in Killarney, Co. Kerry, Ireland. The venue is set against the striking natural backdrop of Loch Lein, the largest of the three famed Killarney lakes, and MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, which together form Killarney National Park – the first national park in Ireland, created when the Muckross Estate was donated to the Irish Free State in 1932.
This location was purposefully chosen to provide fresh air and space guaranteed to clear minds and open the way for thoughts to flow; rugged inspiration for creative decision-making, quietly keeping our natural resources front of mind to drive a focus on sustainability; and vibrant nature at its purest for energised brainstorming.
In spite of the seclusion, The Europe is easily accessible from all major cities worldwide, through Dublin, Cork or Shannon airports.
Kerry Airport (KIR) 11 miles/17km (approximately 20 mins by shuttle or taxi). Direct flights to Dublin, London and more, connecting from there to all major international airports. On Monday 26 May, the following flights are scheduled to arrive at KIR:
Dep Dub. 9:05 > Arr. Kir. 10:00
Dep. Lon. LTN 9:00 > Arr. Kir. 10:25
Dep. Lon. STN 13:30 > Arr. Kir. 15:00
Cork Airport (ORK) 58 miles/93km (approximately 1 hr 30 min by taxi). Connecting flights to all major international airports.
Shannon Airport (SNN) 67 miles/107km (approximately 1 hr 45 min drive) Direct flights to all major EU and US airports.
Dublin Airport (DUB) 188 miles/302km (approximately 3 hr 30 min drive) Direct and connecting flights worldwide.
For access by train, Iarnród Éireann or Irish Rail is Ireland’s national train company and operates trains to and from Killarney Station, which is located a short, 7-minute drive from the hotel. The following trains are scheduled for Monday 26 May. However, please note that Global Economic Summit cannot guarantee availability or that the trains will operate as scheduled, and we advise confirming and booking with the operator well in advance.
From Dublin Heuston to Killarney:
Dep. 7:00 > Arr. 10:19
Dep. 9:00 > Arr. 12:19
Dep. 11:00 > Arr. 14:19
From Cork to Killarney
Dep. 9:00 > Arr. 10:19
Dep. 10:25 > Arr. 12:19
Dep. 12:25 > Arr. 14:19
From Limerick (Colbert – city centre) to Killarney
Dep. 9:00 > Arr. 10:19
Dep. 10:25 > Arr. 12:19
Dep. 12:25 > Arr. 14:19
The following trains are scheduled for Wednesday 28 May.
From Killarney to Dublin:
Dep. 15:41 > Arr. 19:04
Dep. 17:41 > Arr. 21:05
Dep. 19:41 > Arr. 23:01
From Killarney to Cork:
Dep. 15:41 > Arr. 17:32
Dep. 17:41 > Arr. 19:04
Dep. 19:41 > Arr. 21:04
From Killarney to Limerick:
Dep. 15:41 > Arr. 17:59
Dep. 17:41 > Arr. 20:09
Dep. 19:41 > Arr. 23:07
To view a full list of routes and options and to book your ticket, please visit the Irish Rail website (http://www.irishrail.ie/).
To drive to The Europe, simply enter the Eircode V93 KHN6 or coordinates (+52 4 0132, -9 34 1592) into your GPS, Google Maps or preferred route mapper and follow the directions. Please remember that we drive on the left-hand side of the road in Ireland and speed limits are variable but clearly signposted on all roads.
Plan your Trip
For more information on getting to Global Economic Summit, including flights and transfers, click the link below