Continuing a tradition of strong advocacy on behalf of the Irish Diaspora, Irish Network Boston (IN Boston) will participate in a 2-day forum in Dublin, Ireland. Some 200 delegates from 17 countries across the globe will descend upon Dublin Castle to attend the Global Irish Civic Forum on Wednesday June 3rd and Thursday June 4th. IN Boston will be represented by the organization’s President, Attorney Sean P. Moynihan.
“We are thrilled to be participating in the Global Irish Civic Forum. Our key charge is to leverage existing and foster new economic, cultural, educational, art and sporting links between Ireland and the greater Boston area. I look forward to sharing thoughts, ideas and strategies with fellow delegates from all over the world on behalf of the Irish diaspora”, commented Moynihan.
In partnership with the Consulate General of Ireland Boston, IN Boston was established to 2010 as a mechanism to galvanize the diaspora and celebrate what is means to be Irish in America. A key goal of the organization is to ensure that the long standing and strong links between Boston and Ireland continue to thrive and prosper. IN Boston has a diverse membership comprised of Irish ex-pats, Irish Americans, and friends of Ireland. Accordingly, the organization is a natural fit for participation in the forum.
‘From a global view – we are one’
“I am delighted that IN-Boston will be represented at the Global Irish Civic Forum given the important strong economic, cultural and family connections between the city, Massachusetts and Ireland. Other groups representing the Irish immigrant advice centres and community organisations in Massachusetts will also add to the richness of the debate,” commented Consul General of Ireland Boston Breandán Ó Caollaí.
IN Boston is a member of a parent organization Irish Network USA (IN USA) which includes 19 additional city chapters throughout the United States. IN USA President Steve Lenox will also be attending the forum.
“Irish Network USA continues to seek new ways to engage the Irish Diaspora across the United States through business, culture, education and sport,” stated Steve Lenox. “We look forward to not only sharing what has worked for us, but more importantly learning from, and developing meaningful relationships with, other organizations with similar goals from around the globe.”
Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Charlie Flanagan TD and Minister for Diaspora Affairs Jimmy Deenihan TD.
The concept for the 2-day forum is set out in the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs’ “Global Irish – Irish Diaspora Policy” https://www.dfa.ie/media/globalirish/global-irish-irelands-diaspora-policy.pdf and is being coordinated and sponsored by the Clinton Institute for American Studies at University College Dublin (UCD). On behalf of the Irish government, the policy is being spearheaded by Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Charlie Flanagan TD and Minister for Diaspora Affairs Jimmy Deenihan TD, both of whom will participate and formally address the forum delegates. The Department describes the forum as “an opportunity for organisations supporting the Irish diaspora abroad to come to Dublin to discuss their work with these communities. It is anticipated the Forum will discuss issues such as new Irish emigrants, Irish identity and heritage, reaching out to Irish citizens abroad and assisting emigrants to return to Ireland.”
“The fact of the matter is that with each generation we see fewer and fewer Irish immigrants to the United States. In addition, there are those who are here and, voluntarily or otherwise, choose to return home. Consequently, I believe the Diaspora policy, and this Forum as a manifestation of it, is critical as a means by which to effectuate our responsibility and desire to support not only our present immigrant population but also those emigrants who are returning to Ireland. From a global view, we are one,” added Moynihan.
Additionally, according to the Irish government, “Global Irish defines the Government’s role to both drive and foster diaspora engagement in a way that:
- Supports: those who have left Ireland and need or want support;
- Connects: in an inclusive way with those, of all ages, around the world who are Irish, of Irish descent or have a tangible connection to Ireland, and wish to maintain a connection with Ireland and with each other;
- Facilitates: a wide range of activity at local, national and international level designed to build on and develop two-way diaspora engagement;
- Recognises: the wide variety of people who make up our diaspora and the important ongoing contribution that they have made, both individually and collectively, in shaping our development and our identity;
- Evolves: to meet changing needs in changing times.”
Moynihan and Lenox also look forward to identifying key issues which can be addressed at the annual IN USA conference to be held in November of this year. Boston will play host to the conference which will bring together IN members from across the country on behalf of the Irish Diaspora.
Those interested can follow the action from the Forum on Twitter at: @GlobalIrish @dfatirl and #diaspora15.
More information about the Forum and the Diaspora policy can be found here:
https://www.dfa.ie/our-role-policies/our-work/casestudiesarchive/2015/may/global-irish-civic-forum/
http://www.ucdclinton.ie/Global-Irish-Civic-Forum-Diaspora
