Global Economic Summit 2025 launches in New York City

The US launch of the Global Economic Summit 2025 (GES25) took place in Manhattan, New York this week, as the not-for-profit leaders retreat returns to Co Kerry for a second year from 26th – 28th May 2025 in the prestigious Europe Hotel.

With Ireland’s unique position as a bridge between the US, Europe and the rest of the world and as a key global hub for innovation and fresh thinking, GES25 is a date to be marked in the calendar for all Irish and global business leaders, with early-bird registration available now until 1st December. Head to globaleconomicsummit.ie/register/ to register now.

The inaugural GES earlier this year was the largest convening of global leaders in Ireland in 2024 with over 400 business leaders, policymakers and thinkers gathering to develop fresh solutions to global challenges such as climate change and economic inequality, with contributions from New York Governor Kathy Hochul, Head of Meta Ireland Anne O’Leary, EU Commissioner Mairead McGuinness, Prince Albert II of Monaco, Executive Director of Partnerships and Planning at INTERPOL Darrin E. Jones, and global c-level executives from Apple, Google, The World Food Programme and The World Health Organisation. Accenture was Headline Partner of the event, and other partners included Kerry County Council, Apex Group, Enterprise Ireland, BAM Ireland, Ibec Global, Business Post and Elkstone.

Global cooperation has never been more important in ‘Connecting Progress with Purpose’. Globalisation, international conflict, and the Gen AI revolution are just some of the issues that will dominate policy-making and boardroom conversations for years to come. In addition to the early-bird registration for GES25, available until 1st December, delegations are welcomed with group offerings available.

Catalyst for Progress and Partnership

Speaking at the launch of GES25, Gareth Hargadon, Deputy Consul General at the Irish Consulate in New York said:

“Anyone that was in Kerry for the Global Economic Summit earlier this year will know that the three themes the consulate focused on, which are impact, inclusivity and Irish hospitality, experienced all of those things in abundance. Those who attended got a real sense of the concrete value of the conference and its significant potential.”

Hargadon spoke of how Kathy Hochul, the Governor of New York, had felt it was a real honour to attend the conference, and to use the occasion to meet with ministers and the mayors of Dublin and Kerry, as well as getting the honour to visit her ancestral homeland while in Ireland.

“On behalf of the Consul General, and all of us in the consulate, our best wishes for the sophomore edition of the summit next May. I believe it will have a long and bright future.”

CEO of Business Post Sarah Murphy said: “With its focus on thought-leadership and driven by altruistic aims, the Global Economic Summit has immediately established itself as a unique space where influential leaders from government, business, and society converge to address the pressing challenges of our time. It serves not only as a platform for exchanging ideas but also as a catalyst for real-world solutions and partnerships that shape the future. Together, these voices help advance a shared vision for a more equitable and sustainable world. The Business Post is proud to be at the heart of the 2025 gathering, firmly believing that forums such as this are instrumental in providing a platform to discuss solutions shaping a better future for all.”

MD of the Global Economic Summit Megan Cassidy said: “The success of last year’s Global Economic Summit proves that Ireland can and should convene global leaders at this scale. The Summit bottles Ireland’s incredible speed of change – from an agri-economy to a European Tech Leader – and uses that as a catalyst for progress and partnership. There is no better place than the beautiful surrounds of Killarney for fresh thinking and solutions. The partnerships we saw born at last year’s retreat make us incredibly excited for GES25 when the world’s eyes are on Kerry again.”

Via video message Mayor of Kerry Breandán Fitzgerald said: I warmly commend the team at the Global Economic Summit for providing a space in which some of the key minds and experts in their fields can contribute meaningfully to the debate on the challenges and opportunities in our world today. Sharing ideas, debating problems, finding solutions, and transforming words into meaningful impact were never more necessary than today. Kerry County Council is delighted to partner once more with the team at the Global Economic Summit and I look forward to welcoming delegates and visitors to Killarney for an engaging and inspiring conference in 2025.”

Of the 2024 summit, Head of Meta Ireland Anne O’Leary said: “The Global Economic Summit was an incredibly impactful gathering of global leaders in Ireland in 2024. The breadth of knowledge shared and the calibre of attendees made it an unmissable event for anyone looking to stay at the forefront of global innovation and developments. The connections and insights were invaluable for driving Meta’s vision forward in Ireland and beyond.”

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