The establishment of a permanent global network of those invited to the first Global Irish Economic Forum at Farmleigh and other influential members of the Diaspora was identified as an important objective by Forum participants. In early, 2010 the Global Irish Network was launched and now comprises of over 300 of the most influential Irish and Irish-connected individuals abroad. Members of the Network, who come from a diversity of fields and are based in almost 40 countries, provide Ireland with an invaluable resource of international expertise from which we can draw as we work towards economic recovery.
Network members have demonstrated a strong connection to Ireland and have a record of high achievement in international business or in assisting in the promotion of Ireland. In the year since its inception, the Network has worked closely with the Government and State Agencies in promoting Ireland’s economic, cultural and tourism messages in key markets. The Network is also a key partner in our ongoing efforts to restore our international reputation.
During 2010, formal meetings of the Network were hosted by Ministers in London, (where the Network was formally launched), Paris, Shanghai and New York. A number of informal meetings were also hosted in 2010 by the Irish diplomatic missions around the world. On 3 May, 2011, the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr Eamon Gilmore, T.D., announced that the Government will host a second Global Irish Economic Forum in Dublin Castle on 7-8 October, 2011. The forum will be the first occasion the entire Network will come together. Over the course of the 2 days, participants will discuss the Government’s priorities for economic renewal, job creation and the restoration of Ireland’s reputation abroad and explore how the Irish, at home and abroad, and those with a strong interest in Ireland, can work together to contribute to our overall efforts at economic renewal.
The Network is coordinated by a Secretariat within the Irish Abroad Unit of the Department of Foreign Affairs, with our Ambassadors playing a key role in liaising with the members based within their area of responsibility.