PRESS RELEASE
Thursday, 23rd June 2022
Global Economic Summit announced for West of Ireland in Summer 2023
Major international gathering to place Ireland on the global stage in shaping the future for the next generation
‘Shaping our future for the next generation’ is the overarching theme of a major international gathering to take place in the West of Ireland next year. Ireland’s Global Economic Summit ’23, officially announced today (23.06.22), will convene some of the world’s most influential decision makers to address the critical challenges international society is currently facing.
The Summit will take place across three days in the unique surrounds of Mount Falcon Estate, Ballina, Co Mayo running from Tuesday, 20th – Thursday, 22nd June 2023. The event programme will be underpinned by four key pillars, each addressing a major area of challenge and / or opportunity for Ireland, Europe, and the World. These include redefining global partnerships; the fourth industrial revolution; future-proofing the world; and democracy and open society.
Commenting ahead of the announcement event at The Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin, Chair of the Global Economic Summit ’23 Advisory Council, Kingsley Aikens said: “Hosting an international gathering of this scale is an incredibly exciting opportunity for Ireland to firmly establish itself as the frontier of global thinking on major economic, cultural, and social issues. The world is facing intense disruption and turbulence right now but there are huge opportunities to be explored as we move forward in addressing these challenges. This Summit is both timely and critical and will position Ireland as a keen participant and key player in tackling the issues we face both locally and globally.”
“With the countdown underway to the Summit opening in twelve months’ time, we are developing an agenda which drives collaboration and cooperation through real conversation among the senior thought leaders attending. We want to attract a strong cross-section of attendees with diverse national and international representation from government, the public sector, NGOs, business, industry, and academia. While subject to change based on global events, a sample of the broad topics up for discussion ranges from climate change and sustainability to the future of government and digital revolutions. Other areas for evaluation include wealth inequality, diversity and inclusion, the future of media, global security and what’s next for Europe.”
Named patrons of the Global Economic Summit ’23 include former Taoiseach, Enda Kenny; former President of Ireland, Mary Robinson; and former US Governor of Maryland, Martin O’Malley.
Why the West of Ireland?
Commenting on the rational for hosting the Summit in Co. Mayo, Global Economic Summit ’23 Project Director, Caroline Nash said: “The West of Ireland has always been viewed very much as the frontier between Europe and the United States. The cornerstone of European and US relations is historically formed on strong entrepreneurialism, innovation, open dialogue, collaborative approach, and mutual respect for the environment. These relationship facets are replicated across many other parts of the world while others look to them as good example. We therefore felt that there was no better place to map out the solutions of our shared global concerns – nor to grasp our shared opportunities – than Ireland, and its ‘Wild West’.”
“The remote location and unique surroundings of Mount Falcon Estate will give attendees the time and space required to fully immerse themselves in meaningful dialogue and independent evaluation. Avoiding a drop-in / drop-out approach often associated with big conferences held in more urban settings was a key factor for us in choosing this location. We want to ensure our delegates stay for the full extent of the three days. We believe the natural beauty of the West of Ireland is the perfect environment to help us achieve this level of engagement – fostering creative thinking, conversation, and policy development to shape the future for the next generation.”
Promoting sustainability and inclusion
Ms Nash added: “Promotion of sustainability and addressing the global climate crisis will be at the very heart of the dialogue and everything we do at next year’s Summit. To support this critical message, we are undertaking an assessment to evaluate the carbon footprint of the event and to identify the appropriate measures required to offset this. We want to ensure that all decisions surrounding the Summit are made with sustainability as the primary consideration.
“Furthermore, the production strategy for the Summit will have a strong focus in achieving diverse representation in the spirit of building a culture of inclusion and belonging. To ensure social equity and adequate representation from every sector of society, a selection of delegates will be invited to attend from various charities, social movements, industry bodies and academia.”
Speakers, dignitaries, media, and other participants will be invited to attend as guests by the Summit organisers, iQuest. There will be a limited number of tickets available for sale to corporate organisations. Given the limited number, and to ensure representation from a cross-section of society including NGOs and good causes, there will be an application process for places. Further details on the registration process will be released in mid-September 2022. Interested parties can pre-register their interest in attending via the Summit website and will be notified when further details are available.
For more information about the Global Economic Summit ’23 visit: www.globaleconomicsummit.ie
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