The large numbers and the strong media interest proved what the organizers — Irish America magazine, the American Ireland Fund and University College Dublin — had believed, that the diaspora concept is one of great and enduring interest and that its vast potential needs to be unlocked. The Irish government and Aer Lingus were also involved in the sponsorship.

Next year the forum will move to Dublin, where it will take on a worldwide diaspora role. The announcement made at the conference by University College Dublin that it will create the John Hume Global Irish Institute was an exciting development, and next year’s conference will be a wonderful starting point for the new center.

The key issue of discussion at the forum was best put by Donald R. Keough, chairman of Allen and Company and former president of Coca-Cola, in his keynote dinner address when he asked, “Is the global diaspora a vital asset to the future of Ireland, and are the 40 million Americans of Irish blood important?”

The answer to both questions is a resounding yes, judging by the statements made by a range of Irish American leaders at the forum and the response of those present.

From business, philanthropy, culture and education, young leaders and community leaders, the answers were the same throughout the conference.

The Irish diaspora is a greatly underutilized and misunderstood aspect of the Irish identity. It’s potential for doing good, economically, culturally, philanthropically and community-wise, is enormous.

Having agreed the conclusion, the next issue is how can the U.S.-Ireland Forum help to galvanize a far greater sense of the diaspora and unlock its potential?

It is a comparatively recent phenomenon. Until President Mary Robinson was elected in 1990 the notion of an Irish diaspora at all was hardly thought about, and if it was it was taken utterly for granted.

Robinson began the slow acceptance of the notion. Her idea of a candle in the window for the generations of emigrants and their offspring returning home was a powerful symbol of inclusion.

After all, Ireland has sent over four million people abroad since the time of the Famine. Linking back up with those exiled generations and their descendants should have been a far higher priority.

That has now begun to change. The current Irish government, as well as President Mary McAleese, has acknowledged the immense importance in an era of globalization of having such an enormous and influential constituency abroad.

Whether it is economic investment, philanthropy or cultural links, the diaspora is an ever more important aspect to Irish identity.

Indeed, as Irish best-selling writer David McWilliams told the conference, “The diaspora holds the key to our future. It will generate a renaissance in Irish culture, literature and language. From an economic perspective also this is the only avenue open to us in Ireland.”

His point is well taken. In a global world, Ireland has very few ways of distinguishing itself from its competitors.

Its worldwide reach, however, is a powerful tool. The diaspora is waiting to be utilized.