First Diaspora Conference for N.Y.

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First Diaspora Conference for N.Y.

October 25, 2007

By April Drew

THE first ever Irish diaspora conference will be held in New York on November 7 and 8. Irish America magazine, the American Ireland Fund and University College Dublin are hosting the conference. Aer Lingus is also a co-sponsor.

The location is the ballroom of Affinia Hotel in Manhattan at 31st Street and Seventh Avenue. Members of the public are welcome on a first come basis. Admission is free.

“If you think in terms of 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 Irish and American relationship is absolutely vital,” said Niall O’Dowd, founder of Irish America magazine and chairman of the US Ireland Forum which is hosting the event.

“It has become clear that looking forward in this new century the relationship will become even more important. This conference is the first effort to bring together the best thinkers on both sides of the Atlantic to support and analyze that relationship.”

O’Dowd stated that he expected “at least one significant announcement” during the conference on the creation of future links between Ireland and America.

The US Ireland Forum will feature speakers such as Professor James Heckman, Nobel Laureate in economics; Donald Keough, chairman of Allen and Company and formerly president of Coca-Cola; Loretta Brennan Glucksman, chairman of the American Ireland Fund; David McWilliams, author and broadcaster; Kip Condron, CEO of AXA Financial; Richard Medley, former chief advisor to George Soros and an investor in Ireland, and prize wining author Pete Hamill.

Brennan Glucksman stated, “The relationship between our two countries is vital and essential to both. 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.”

Dr. Hugh Brady, president of University College Dublin, stated, “The economic and political changes and political peace that have taken place over the past decade have brought a new confidence to Ireland. Now is a great time for us to step up to this cultural, political and economic exchange as we reach out to form new partnerships and share new experiences.”

There will be a special session on philanthropy and America’s lessons for Ireland. Among those speaking 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 American Ireland Funds Worldwide; and Thomas J, Tierney, a director of eBay and a leading philanthropist.

Bruce Morrison and New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn will be two of the participants in a panel on Irish America in Transition, which will look at the impact of the immigration issue on the Irish community.

Other topics include a panel of the future of the Celtic Tiger from an American and Irish perspective, a panel called “Why the Diaspora Really Matters,” a panel on the role of culture in fostering links between the Irish and Irish abroad, and a panel featuring the next generation of Irish and Irish American leaders.

A full list of speakers and conference topics is also available at the website www.USIrelandforum.com.

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