Ireland’s government has convened a high-profile summit at Dublin Castle today focusing on the nation’s international role and influence, bringing together an eclectic mix of political, diplomatic, business, and sporting figures.
The event centers on the development of “Global Ireland 2040,” a comprehensive strategy that will guide Ireland’s international engagement and approach to global challenges over the next decade and a half. This initiative will replace the current Global Ireland 2025 Strategy implemented in 2018.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin, who is scheduled to deliver a keynote address, emphasized the timeliness of the gathering, noting that “in a rapidly changing and challenging global environment it is an important moment to discuss Ireland’s place in the world.”
Among the notable participants at the Dublin Castle summit is Ukraine’s Foreign Affairs Minister Andrii Sybiha, who will address attendees via video link. The diverse speaker lineup also includes Republic of Ireland assistant head football coach John O’Shea, who will participate in a panel discussion on “sports diplomacy.”
Other prominent voices at the event include representatives from the International Energy Agency, the American Chamber of Commerce in Ireland, the US ad-hoc committee to protect the Good Friday Agreement, and the president of the GAA.
Tánaiste Simon Harris highlighted the importance of the new strategy in his pre-summit comments, stating that it “will provide an overarching framework to Ireland’s international engagement over the next 15 years.” He emphasized the need for Ireland to “think with ambition” about enhancing its global position and strengthening relationships with international partners.
Harris also pointed to economic concerns, noting that “turbulence in international trade also means we need to urgently consider opportunities to diversify into new markets.”
The summit represents a significant step in Ireland’s efforts to define its global role amid rapidly evolving international dynamics.