EVENT RECAP: Northern Ireland Emerging Leaders Conference

Events

Emerging Leaders Europe 2026

A Week of Engagement Across Washington, DC, and New York City

The 2026 Emerging Leaders Conference brought together the third cohort of NCAFP’s Northern Ireland Emerging Leaders to Washington, DC, and New York City for a week of high-level dialogue and exchange. The program emphasized sustained transatlantic engagement in addressing shared political, economic, and social challenges. In New York, they presented refined policy ideas, translating months of work into real-world feedback. As they return home, the cohort continues its work in peacebuilding, democratic resilience, and civic leadership, supported by a growing transatlantic network.

Below is a summary of their engagements. To read their final report and learn more, click below:

Day One: Diplomacy and Transatlantic Engagement

The program opened in Washington, DC, at the Atlantic Council, where participants met the Europe Center and Millennium Leadership program to discuss transatlantic priorities. They then visited the U.S. Department of State for a meeting with Courtney E. Austrian, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary overseeing policy for Western Europe and the European Union in the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs. The day concluded with a reception at the Embassy of Ireland, where Deputy Ambassador Fionnuala Quinlan officially launched the program alongside diplomats and stakeholders.

Day Two: Dialogue and Thematic Exchange

Hosted with the Northern Ireland Bureau and Georgetown University, Day Two focused on Northern Ireland’s future across four themes: prosperity, governance, climate, and education/AI. Guest speakers included David Blevins (Sky News), Ambassador Philip Reeker (DGA Group), Jonathan Katz (Brookings), Angela Barranco (Climate Group), Tom Ellison (Center for Climate and Security), Ambassador Barbara Stephenson (UNC), and Cóilín Parsons (Georgetown). The cohort also met members of the Ad Hoc Committee to protect the Good Friday Agreement.

Day Three: Media, Leadership, and Storytelling

At the Bank of Ireland in New York, Emerging Leaders presented a series of policy proposals developed throughout the program, addressing topics including heritage tourism, transatlantic economic strategy, talent mobility, AI in education, youth political engagement, and democratic reform. Participants also engaged with guest speakers, including public health leader Margaret Crotty and Pauline Turley of the Irish Arts Center. The program continued with a visit to The Wall Street Journal for a discussion with CEO Almar Latour, before concluding with a reception at the Consulate General of Ireland, New York hosted by Consul General Gerald Angley.

Day Four: Governance, Climate, and Civic Futures

Emerging Leader sessions focused on youth paramilitarism, social housing, and climate themes, including energy transition, biomethane development, net-zero infrastructure, and regional equity. Guest speakers on day two included Margaret Molloy, Aidan McKenna (Enterprise Ireland), Sinead Colton Grant (BNY Wealth), Manus McGuire (KX), and journalist Rachel Quigley (CNN Underscored). The day concluded at Glucksman Ireland House at New York University.

Day Five: Multilateral Diplomacy and Global Institutions

The final day took place at the United Nations, beginning with Ireland’s Mission to the UN and a tour of UN Headquarters. Participants met Maher Nasser, Director of Outreach at UN Global Communications, to discuss multilateralism and global cooperation, as well as the role of emerging leaders in international institutions.

Looking Ahead: Dialogue to Impact

The conference reinforced the importance of transatlantic collaboration in addressing shared global challenges. The participants leave with strengthened networks, policy experience, and a shared commitment to peacebuilding and democratic resilience. The participants will next present their policy papers to policymakers at Stormont in Belfast, completing the pathway from ideas to impact.

We extend our deepest thanks to all funders and supporters, including the Government of Ireland’s Reconciliation Fund, The Ireland Funds, Invest Northern Ireland, the Eithne & Paddy Fitzpatrick Memorial Fund, and the Irish American Partnership.