Presented by: Irish America Magazine | The American Ireland Fund | University College Dublin
Press Release
10.25.07 - First Irish Diaspora Forum 
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New York, New York — The inaugural U.S.-Ireland Forum will be held in New York on November 7 and 8. Irish America Magazine, together with The American Ireland Fund and University College Dublin, will co-host the event at the Affinia Manhattan Hotel, 371 Seventh Avenue.
The Forum will feature such noted speakers as Dr. Hugh Brady, President of University College Dublin; Kip Condron, CEO of AXA Financial; Loretta Brennan Glucksman, Chairman of The American Ireland Fund; prominent American journalist Pete Hamill; Professor James Heckman, Nobel Laureate, Professor of Economics at University of Chicago and Professor of Science and Society at University College Dublin; Donald Keough, Chairman of Allen and Company and former President of Coca Cola; David McWilliams, author and broadcaster; and Richard Medley, Chairman of Medley Capital.
“There is no more critical relationship—economically, politically and culturally—than that between Ireland and America. Yet even with such strong community ties this relationship is often taken for granted,” said Niall O’Dowd, founder of Irish America Magazine and the Irish Voice Newspaper.
O’Dowd stated that he expects “at least one significant announcement” to emerge from the Forum on the creation of future links between Ireland and America.
“If you consider the Irish economy, job creation, tourism, the impact of American philanthropy and Ireland’s political clout in America, it is abundantly clear that the future of the special Ireland and America relationship remains absolutely vital.”
“At this juncture this important relationship must be nurtured and sustained by all parties. This forum is the first effort to bring together the best thinkers on both sides of the Atlantic to generate that support.”
Calling for a strengthening of U.S.-Ireland ties, Dr Hugh Brady said “The economic changes and political peace that have taken place over the past decade have brought a new confidence to Ireland. Ever since the formation of the State, we have, through organizations such as the United Nations, played our part in the world arena. At the same time, the Irish Diaspora has shared our culture and our heritage with their new communities, particularly in the United States.
“Now is a great time for us to step up this cultural, political and economic exchange as we reach out to form new partnerships and share new experiences.”
Loretta Brennan Glucksman, Chairman of The American Ireland Fund, said, “The relationship between our two countries is vital and essential to both. As Ireland changes, new opportunities for enhancing and redefining this relationship emerge and both societies throw up important lessons for each other. For instance, America’s culture of Philanthropy can help motivate those in Ireland, who have become wealthy recently, to deepen their contributions to their society. We are delighted to be supporting this conference as a comprehensive examination of the historic link between the United States and Ireland in the 21st Century.”
There will be a special session on philanthropy and America’s lessons for Ireland. Among the speakers will be Gara La Marche, the new Chief Executive of Atlantic Philanthropies, the organization set up by billionaire Chuck Feeney; Kingsley Aikins, President and CEO of the Ireland Funds worldwide, and Thomas J. Tierney, Chairman of the Bridgespan Group and a leading expert on the emergence of non-profit organizations.
Other topics include the future of the Celtic Tiger from an American and Irish perspective; “Why the Diaspora really matters”; the role of culture in fostering links between the Irish and Irish abroad, and identifying the next generation of Irish and Irish American leaders.
A full list of speakers and conference topics is available at the website usirelandforum.com.
Irish America Magazine is the leading national glossy publication of Irish interest in North America. Since its inception in October 1985, Irish America magazine has become a powerful vehicle for expression on a range of political, economic, social and cultural matters of importance to the Irish in the United States. The magazine has helped to re-establish the Irish ethnic identity in the U.S. (40 million according to the last U.S. census) and has identified the best political and business leaders, organizations, artists, writers and community figures among the Irish in America.
The Ireland Funds is the leading worldwide network of people of Irish ancestry and friends of Ireland dedicated to raising funds to support programs of peace and reconciliation, arts and culture, education and community development. With operations in 11 countries, the Ireland Funds have created a unique global network of people with an interest in Ireland and have to date raised over $300 million for more than 1,200 non-profit organizations across the island of Ireland.
University College Dublin is the largest university in Ireland. Dating back over 150 years, the university has played a central role in the formation and evolution of the Irish State. Its broad remit across the arts and human sciences, business and law, life and health sciences has had enormous impact on the cultural and socio-economic status of Ireland. Among its treasures, UCD holds a unique collection of materials for the study of Ireland’s history, culture and folklore. UCD is also leading the way in the study of Ireland’s contemporary social, political and economic life. The study of Ireland is a research priority for the University; its Global Irish Institute has initiated a unique fourth level (PhD and Post-Doctoral) research program exploring the development of Ireland’s relationship with the wider world.
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