Dún Laoghaire to host major Global Diaspora Forum

DÃ?N Laoghaire is to host a major European strand of the Global Diaspora Forum in May.

The forum is a celebration of diaspora communities, and has been held annually in Washington DC since 2011.

Inspired by the former US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, it is coordinated by the US-based charity, the International Global Diaspora Engagement Alliance (IDEA) and the US State Department.

The European element will be organised by the Irish International Diaspora Centre (IIDC) Trust, which is working to deliver a world-class diaspora centre in Dublin.

The trust operates under the auspices of Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company.

The decision to bring the Global Diaspora Forum to Ireland was taken by the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Eamon Gilmore, following an approach by Hillary Clinton during her visit to Dublin last December.

The purpose of the forum is to challenge diaspora communities to forge partnerships with the private sector, civil society and public institutions in order to make their engagements with their countries of origin or ancestry effective and sustainable.

Speaking at the announcement of plans for the Global Diaspora Forum, Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore said:

“Whether in delivering peace in Northern Ireland, spurring economic development, raising awareness of our culture and heritage or building a positive brand in their adopted homes around the world, we are very fortunate to have a diaspora who continue to make a meaningful contribution to life in Ireland.

“By bringing together an impressive line-up of international and Irish experts in Dún Laoghaire, the Irish International Diaspora Centre Trust will make real progress in strengthening relations and giving diaspora policy a more central focus across Europe.

“Through initiatives like the Emigrant Support Programme and the Global Irish Network, Ireland is now recognised as a world leader in diaspora engagement,

? he added.

“I am sure our experiences will contribute to an action-oriented forum.

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The Global Diaspora Forum will take place in Dún Laoghaire on May 14 and 15.

The main plenary session of the event will link up live with the forum in Washington DC, when it is expected that the Secretary of State John Kerry will participate.

Commenting on the role of the IIDC Trust, Eithne Scott Lennon, board member of the Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company said:

“Central to the Harbour Company’s Master Plan is the delivery of a world-class diaspora centre, which will act as a major visitor location, as well as an information source for people who want to connect with their heritage.

“For centuries, the harbour has served as both the exit point and the entrance point to Ireland for our diaspora communities. This historic association will be an important point of reflection and discussion at the forum.

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Those wishing to secure information on the event can register their interest at: www.globaldiasporaforum.ie.