Representative Kathleen Rice (D, NY-04)
New York – New Belfast Conference goes online for first time
A major transatlantic conference celebrating and forging links between Belfast and New York will move online this year for the first time bringing together some of the senior leadership tasked with fight against the coronavirus in both cities.
The 11th annual ‘New York – New Belfast’ Conference will take place virtually in response to the global Covid-19 pandemic and the restrictions on travel. Usually held over three days in New York City, this year’s free to access conference will take place on 12 June with thousands expected to log on.
The theme of this year’s conference will be ‘The Rebuilding Journey’, focussing in on how the two cities can recover from the impact of Covid19 and learn from their unique experiences in combatting the disease and its severe implications for citizens.
Bringing together local Executive ministers and Northern Irish politicians with representatives from every level of government in New York State, as well as business, technological, and cultural leaders from both sides of the Atlantic, the conference is an opportunity to exchange ideas and plans for the recovery of societies post-coronavirus.
Confirmed speakers include:
Senator Tim Kennedy (D-Buffalo), 63rd District, and Chair of the New York State Legislature’s Transport Committee
Congresswoman Kathleen Rice (D, NY-4, Nassau County), US House of Representatives
Tom DiNapoli, Comptroller, New York State
Danny Dromm (D-Jackson Heights), 25th District, New York City Council, and Chair Finance Committee
Alison Metcalfe, Executive VP, USA & Canada, Tourism Ireland
Michael J.Dowling, President and CEO of Northwell Health, New York
Local political, business, and cultural leaders also confirmed:
Conor Murphy MLA, NI Executive Finance Minister
Gavin Robinson MP, East Belfast
Paul Maskey MP, West Belfast
John Healy OBE, Managing Director and Vice President, Allstate NI
Jayne Brady, Belfast Digital & Innovation Commissioner, Belfast City Council
Launching this year’s conference, organiser Connla McCann, Director of Aisling Events, said:
“We are working in unique and challenging circumstances for this year’s annual New York – New Belfast Conference but I am proud that we have managed to curate a programme full of engaging and worthwhile sessions which will explore how Belfast and New York can emerge stronger from this crisis. From rebooting our tourism industry and keeping connections between our two cities open and thriving throughout the crisis to refreshing business links and exploring how our communities can react to the virus, the conference is an opportunity to hear first-hand from those leading New York’s medical, political, and business response to the pandemic.”
“Sessions will look at how we can rebuild our cities after the crisis passes, the role that tech companies can play in this recovery, how we can support our frontline workers leading the relief efforts, and financing the economic response. Recovering from this pandemic will require an immense societal effort and learning from other cities and populations will be key in taking the right steps towards rebuilding.”
New York Congresswoman Kathleen Rice will participate in a panel discussion on ‘Rebuilding our Battered Cities’ and added:
“Year after year, the New York – New Belfast conference serves as an important event to promote collaboration and to strengthen the social and economic connections between our cultures.
“As we work to overcome the Covid-19 pandemic, this type of engagement and information sharing will be critical to overcome this global crisis together. While we won’t be able to gather in person, I have no doubt this year’s conference will be successful once again and lead to a valuable exchange of knowledge and best practices.”
Registration for the conference is free but attendees are encouraged to donate to the conference’s Covid-19 appeals raising funds for healthcare workers: Meitheal in New York and the Robin Hood Appeal in Belfast. To register and for full programme information, visit www.aisling-events.com.