RTÉ’s Tony Connelly to host inaugural Derry summit at Magee

RTE’s Europe Editor Tony Connelly will be in Derry this week as MC of the first ever Derry Summit being held at Ulster University’s Magee campus.

The event brings together global thought leaders with local civic partners, community organisations and business owners to share, discuss and debate the future vision for the city. 

The three main keynote speakers are: Professor Pierre Laconte (Celebrated Belgian urbanist instrumental in the creation of Louvain-la-Neuve); Shona McCarthy (Chief Executive of International Fund for Ireland and former Chief Executive of Derry City of Culture); and Jennifer Neff (Co-Founder Elemental Software).

Speaking before the event, Tony said: “I’m delighted to be returning to Derry and to be joined by global experts and local champions at the first ever Derry Summit.

"The Summit aims to facilitate conversation among community groups, businesses and anyone with an interest in our great city and how it can develop and flourish in the coming years. Derry is a city whose passion and potential are huge and I would encourage anyone interested in its future to register for this free event at www.derrysummit.com.”

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Professor Malachy O’Neill, Director of Regional Engagement, Ulster University said: “This first ever Derry Summit blends international and national expertise with local experts and voices to discuss how we can make Derry one of Ireland’s most successful cities.

"The event provides an annual opportunity where ambition, planning and setting out a vision for our future is combined with honest conversations about where we are at present and where we need to be.”

Speaking at the event’s launch Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald said: “The Derry Summit represents an important opportunity to bring together global expertise and local ambition to help shape a shared vision for the city’s future. Through the ongoing expansion of Ulster University’s Magee campus, we are already driving long-term economic, social, and educational transformation across the North West.

"I am pleased to support this event as part of that ambition, to strengthen both collaboration and regional engagement, which are essential to deliver a thriving, inclusive city with a growing university at its heart.”