Belfast summit set to connect ‘A City on the Cusp’

The ‘Belfast One City’ event will bring together a diverse range of local and internationally renowned speakers on one platform to debate how the city can best make progress in a fair and evenly balanced way. Kicking off at Cúlturlann McAdam Ó Fiaich on the Falls Road, the delegates will then move to Titanic Belfast on day two before touring the proposed University of Ulster city centre campus.

The annual conference will include 3 Northern Ireland Executive Ministers, the Lord Mayor of Belfast and Naomi Long MP. Speakers will also include Scottish Minister for Learning, Science and Language, Dr Alasdair Allen MSP, who will be supported by a range of business, education and civic leaders in the city. The conference will also welcome a delegation from Boston, Massachusetts, which will be led by Representative Eugene O’Flaherty.

Whilst focusing on the future of Belfast, the summit will also reflect upon and assess the progress the city has made in the last 12 months, highlighting the dynamic and vibrant businesses and communities emerging across Belfast City.

Speaking on the launch of the conference Alastair Hamilton, Chief Executive of Invest Northern Ireland said:

“The theme of the conference, ‘A City on the Cusp’ is very appropriate, as I believe that Belfast is on the verge of something great. The recent investments in jobs, infrastructure and the development of new world class tourism, arts and cultural facilities show the progress that has already been made throughout the city.”

“We now need to ensure that Belfast remains connected and moves forward delivering economic benefits across the city. The focus of this conference is to develop these connections between local communities and community representatives and the local business and development leaders. The conference also provides us with the opportunity to learn from international best practice with speakers from Boston and Scotland showing how others are doing it elsewhere.”

The conference is hosted by the Belfast Media Group.

Pictured above launching the Belfast One City Conference taking place on 10 and 11 May are key sponsors Jackie Henry, Partner at Deloitte, Connla McCann from the Belfast Media Group, Alastair Hamilton, Chief Executive of Invest NI and Tim Husbands, Chief Executive of Titanic Belfast.