Irish Network-NYC And The American Ireland Fund Young Leaders Organize Economic Forum

The Irish Network-NYC, aka "IN-NYC," and The American Ireland Fund Young Leaders have joined forces to organize an economic forum that was hosted by Irish Consulate General Niall Burgess and attended by an audience of more than 150 earlier this month.

The forum featured a panel discussion on current economic conditions and the pathways to recovery for both the US and Irish economies.

The distinguished panel included AXA CEO Kip Condron, Keefe Bruyette & Wood CEO John Duffy, AIF Chairman Loretta Brennan-Glucksman, KPMG Head of Tax Americas Shaun Kelly and Credit Suisse Managing Director Mike Brewster.

RTE journalist Tommie Gorman moderated the panel discussion. Ireland's Minister for Foreign Affairs Michèal Martin, addressed the audience and participated in the panel discussion and the questions and answer session with the audience that followed.

The discussion addressed how the economic downturn represents a major recalibration for the global economy but that the Irish economy can recover because, despite the challenges, it still has many positive attributes that continue to make it an attractive country in which to do business.

The panelists also addressed how the Irish diaspora, including networks like IN-NYC and the AIF's Young Leaders, can play an important role in contributing to Ireland's economic strength and in continuing the strong US-Ireland bonds.

IN-NYC was founded in 2007 and is dedicated to connecting Irish and Irish-American professionals from all backgrounds, including business, legal, medical and cultural, so that their energies and talents are harnessed into prospering the US, and Ireland.