Smurfit Kappa CEO addresses the Young Professionals' Network

On 23 April 2008, the Network welcomed Gary McGann to the Institute to address the Young Professionals' Network. Mr McGann holds the positions of CEO of Smurfit Kappa Group and Chairman of Dublin Airport Authority plc among many other both present and past high-profile roles in the public and private sector.

Mr.McGann reflected on Ireland's historical experience of unemployment and emigration and contrasted this with the last decade of prosperity. He underlined in particular the role that education has played and will continue to play in making Ireland and the Irish a success. He also recognised the importance of innovation alongside education, and the talent and ability of young Irish people in recognising and capitalising on the resultant opportunities.

Mr.McGann also emphasised the importance of the European Union and the European market for Ireland,and in doing so reiterated his support for the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty in the upcoming Irish referendum in June.

New Members Welcome!

The IIEA's Young Professionals' Network is currently undertaking a drive to increase our membership.

If you are already a member, feel free to bring friends or colleagues to our next event. The Network has already welcomed Minister Eamon Ryan T.D., Peter Sutherland and Smurfit Kappa CEO Gary McGann

If you would like information about the Network, email iieayoungprofessionals@gmail.com

An Evening with Peter Sutherland

On Friday 4 April at 6p.m. Peter Sutherland visited the Institute to address the Young Professionals' Network. The Network is made up of young people drawn from the business and legal professions, the government, the public sector, the media, trade unions, NGOs and academics.

Mr. Sutherland spoke to a captivated audience of almost one hundred on his life and times, offered his reflections and engaged with the young professionals on the Ireland of today. A lively question and answer session followed.

The Young Professionals' Network was launched in March 2008 with a visit by Eamon Ryan T.D. Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources who addressed the Network on the topic of sustainability. The Network is supported by the European Commission as part of the IIEA's Europe 2.0 project.

Launch of Young Professionals' Network

On March 25 2008, the Institute launched a new Young Professionls' Network. The Network was established as part of the IIEA's Europe 2.0 project which is funded by the European Commission. Minister Eamon Ryan T.D. addressed the group on the climate change and energy challenges that Ireland faces and the importance of creating a sustainable economy. The Minister also took much time from his busy schedule to engage in a question and answer session with the audience.

Welcome to the Network!

See our Facebook page here.

The new Young Professionals' Network provides a forum where young professionals from the public and private sector can attend high level discussions by successful and influencial guest speakers on a wide range of topics. Members are drawn from business, industry, professional organisations, trade unions, the civil service, NGO’s the diplomatic corps and academia. Members have the opportunity to meet and foster contacts with many other young professionals from many different sectors.

If you would like to join, e-mail iieayoungprofessionals@gmail.com Details of upcoming events will soon be available here.

As part of the young professionals network, the Institute also plans a series of young media professionals' roundtables primarily aimed at engaging with young journalists. These initiatives are sponsored by the European Commission under the Europe 2.0 project.