Civic leaders from all 12 Cities on the island of Ireland will come together for the first time ever at the end of June for a major new conference focused on the future of cities, urban growth and how we can unlock economic opportunity, strengthen cultural connections and address shared challenges around investment, infrastructure, sustainability and growth.
The inaugural Summit of the Cities will take place at Belfast City Hall on Wednesday 24 June, and brings together Mayors, Lord Mayors, Chief Executives and senior civic representatives from the island’s twelve cities – six from Northern Ireland and six from the Republic of Ireland – for a day of discussion, knowledge sharing and cross-regional partnership building.
The Summit of the Cities features an impressive line-up of international keynote speakers, including Bill de Blasio, who served as Mayor of New York City from 2014 to 2021 and led the city through a period of significant social and economic change. On his first visit to the island, de Blasio will share insights on leadership, connectivity and the future of global cities.
Joining him will be Sue Gray, internationally recognised for her expertise in governance and public administration. With strong ties to Northern Ireland, having served as Permanent Secretary of the Department of Finance and now as Pro-Chancellor of Queen’s University Belfast, Baroness Gray will share her insights on public leadership, governance and regional collaboration.
Additional speakers include the CEO of Dublin City Council Richard Shakespeare, Dr Caroline Campbell, Director of the National Gallery of Ireland and David Skaith, the first elected Mayor of York and North Yorkshire.
Coming to Belfast for the first time, Bill de Blasio has shared his excitement ahead of the event:
“It is a pleasure to be part of the first-ever Summit of the Cities in Belfast. Having served as Mayor of New York City, I know how vital strong city leadership and collaboration are in addressing the challenges urban areas face. I look forward to joining leaders from across the island of Ireland for what promises to be a forward-thinking and important discussion on the future of our cities.”
The Summit of the Cities supported by partners Belfast Commercial Funding, Belfast City Council, Intertrade Ireland, NIE Networks, Newry, Mourne & Down District Council and Queen’s University Belfast.
Tickets can be purchased for £100 (€115) online at www.summitofthecities.com
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