The first ever Derry Summit will take place on Thursday 26 March at Ulster University’s Derry~Londonderry Campus, bringing together global thought leaders with local civic partners, community organisations and business owners to share, discuss and debate a future vision for the city.
The event will bring together global and local experts to explore how organisations across the city can work collaboratively to build a more sustainable and inclusive Derry, while celebrating and strengthening its rich cultural identity. The Summit will provide a space for fresh thinking, collaboration and practical ideas about the city’s future, connecting international and national expertise with local voices.
The day will feature three high-profile keynote speakers whose work spans urban planning, culture and innovation:
- Professor Pierre Laconte, Belgian Urbanist, instrumental in the creation of Louvain-la-Neuve, guiding the project from initial concept through to delivery and shaping it into a model university town known for its integrated urban design, liveability and economic vitality.
- Shona McCarthy, Chief Executive of the International Fund for Ireland and an internationally recognised cultural leader, who previously held senior roles at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe where she helped shape the global profile of the world’s largest arts festival and led the Derry City of Culture.
- Jennifer Neff, local entrepreneur and co-founder of Elemental Software, will offer insight into innovation, entrepreneurship and the potential for technology-led growth rooted in place and purpose.
Professor Malachy O’Neill, Director of Regional Engagement, Ulster University said: “The 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 best 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. I’m delighted to launch the event here today with the Mayor, Sibley and the Economy Minister and thank the Department of the Economy for their support for the event.”
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald added: “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.”
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Cllr Ruairí McHugh welcomed the first ever Derry Summit saying it marked a pivotal moment for the city. He said: “Derry has always been a city of immense potential and ambition, and the Derry Summit is a fantastic opportunity to bring world class leaders to the Ulster University campus to sit alongside our own local entrepreneurs to lead the conversation on urban regeneration and technology-led growth. This is a powerful alignment of civic, business and academic leadership and I would encourage our local stakeholders to take their seat at the table as we work in collaboration toward achieving the next chapter of our city’s economic and cultural life.”
They will be joined by a panel of influential local voices, including representatives from Derry Chamber of Commerce, EY, and the Derry/Londonderry Task Force, to explore how strategic investment, partnership and leadership can accelerate Derry’s future.
Together, speakers and participants will explore themes including urban regeneration, economic opportunity, cultural leadership and social connection, with a focus on how Derry can harness global insight and local expertise to shape its next chapter.
Attendance is free, but capacity is limited. Further information and registration are available at www.derrysummit.com.