Virtual Summit – Global Challenges: Lessons in Leadership.

The inaugural US Ireland Summit took place virtually on July 1, 2021. Produced by events company, iQuest and Business Post Live, the US Ireland Summit was a one day conference for business leaders and focused on the US and Irish political, business and economic agendas — underscoring the growing opportunities of stronger transatlantic relations.

The US Ireland Summit is the precursor to the European Economic Summit 2023, which will take place in Mount Falcon Estate, Mayo, Ireland in June 2023. Both Summits are designed to give the business community the opportunity to join a network of global leaders driving the conversation on the future for Ireland, Europe and the US.

For the 2021 Summit, Maura Kelly was recruited to create and moderate a rich panel around global challenges, corporate sustainability and ESG investing. She also advised the team on potential strategic partnerships in New York and speakers.

The result: Uniting to Tackle Global Challenges: Lessons in Leadership.

Overview: In the midst of ongoing pandemic developments, a growing climate crisis, uneven global economic recovery, and a movement to tackle racism, business and philanthropic organizations are being called on to play a larger role in building a more sustainable and inclusive world. In this panel, we explore the role leaders, corporations and philanthropy can play to impact economic and social progress. 

Objective: Focusing on leaders and what they, and their organizations are doing in Sustainability and ESG – Economic Social Governance initiatives to help move the world forward for everyone. The panelists shared their current initiatives related to:

• Environment – addressing climate related risks and opportunities
• Social – Access, Education, Community and DEI (Diversity, Equity Inclusion)
• Governance/ Economic – Diverse management boards, driving long term profitability.

Panelists: Chair, Maura Kelly

Ronan Dunne, Executive Vice President and Group CEO, Verizon Consumer Group 

Caitriona Fottrell, President and CEO, The Ireland Funds

Kevin Maughan, Founder and CEO, UrbanVolt, a clean energy company.

Summit speakers: