Shaping the island’s urban future
Wednesday 24th June, Belfast City Hall
9am - 5pm
Armagh, Bangor, Belfast, Cork, Derry, Dublin, Galway, Kilkenny, Limerick, Lisburn, Newry & Waterford.
Armagh, Bangor, Belfast, Cork, Derry, Dublin, Galway, Kilkenny, Limerick, Lisburn, Newry & Waterford.
Join us in Belfast on Wednesday, 24 June 2026 for a landmark gathering when for the first time the island's 12 cities will come together to discuss how we can collaborate for the future.
This event is supported by:
Keynote Speaker
Former Mayor of New York
Bill de Blasio served as Mayor of New York City from 2014 to 2021, leading the city through a period of major social and economic change. Known for his focus on economic equality, education and affordable housing, he brings a global perspective on urban leadership, connectivity and the future of cities.
Bill de Blasio
Speakers so far….
Sue Gray is one of the most influential figures in modern British public life, with decades of experience at the heart of government and public administration. Renowned for her expertise in governance and ethics, she held senior roles within the UK Civil Service.
Cornelia Schneider-Pungs
Senior Industry Advisor, Microsoft Worldwide
Cornelia Schneider-Pungs is a Senior Industry Advisor in Microsoft’s Worldwide Public Sector team. With a background in computational linguistics and public service, she previously worked for the Lower Saxony Ministry of Education and Cultural Affairs. Since joining Microsoft eight years ago, she has supported government and academic institutions across Europe. In her current role, she advises public sector organisations on AI transformation, with a focus on public finance, border management and ports.
Baroness Sue Gray
Member of the House of Lords, Chair Consello UK and former Civil Servant
Ariel Palitz
Ariel Palitz is a globally recognised advocate for the night-time economy and urban culture, best known as New York City’s first Night Mayor. Working across government, business and culture, she has become a leading voice on how nightlife and the creative industries can drive economic growth, tourism and vibrant, inclusive city life.
Former New York City Night life Mayor
David Skaith
David Skaith is the first elected Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, leading one of England’s most diverse regions across urban, rural and coastal communities. A former business owner, he brings a strong focus on investment, connectivity and sustainable economic growth, championing collaboration between government, business and local communities.
Mayor for York & North Yorkshire
Helen Godwin
Mayor of West of England
Helen Godwin is the Mayor of the West of England. Elected in May 2025, she has started a new chapter for the region. Helen was born in the West, grew up and is raising her family there, and has worked as a local councillor and in business. Helen's priorities are reliable transport, affordable homes, and green jobs. Since May, the West has seen free summer, Christmas and Easter bus travel for children, a £5m Youth Guarantee launched, and £752m for transport secured. A new regional Growth Strategy aims to create 72,000 jobs over ten years, alongside a new Child Poverty Action Plan.
Richard Shakespeare
Chief Executive, Dublin City Council
Richard Shakespeare is the Chief Executive of Dublin City Council, Ireland’s largest local authority. He is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Council, implementing council decisions, and working with elected members and staff to deliver Dublin’s vision for a creative, sustainable city.
Caroline Campbell
Director of the National Gallery of Ireland
Dr Caroline Campbell is Director of the National Gallery of Ireland and a leading voice in the museum and cultural sector. An internationally respected art historian and curator, she has held senior roles at major institutions including the National Gallery and the Ashmolean Museum. Since taking up her role in Ireland, she has championed culture’s role in civic life, public engagement and international collaboration.
Colin Davidson
Visual Artist
Colin Davidson is an internationally acclaimed Northern Irish artist, renowned for his large-scale portraiture and powerful explorations of identity, conflict and memory. His work has been exhibited widely across the UK and Ireland, with his acclaimed “Silent Testimony” series earning international recognition for its sensitive portrayal of those affected by the Troubles.
Mark O’Brien
Executive/Co-Director of the Abbey Theatre
Mark O’Brien is Executive Director and Co-Director of the Abbey Theatre, Ireland’s national theatre. With more than 30 years’ experience in the theatre and cultural sectors, he has held leadership, creative and production roles across Ireland and internationally. Prior to joining the Abbey Theatre in 2021, he served as Director of axis Ballymun for a decade, helping to establish it as a nationally recognised arts organisation.
Ray McAdam
Lord Mayor of Dublin
Lord Mayor McAdam was first elected to Dublin City Council in 2009 to represent the North Inner City and has been re-elected at every subsequent Local Election in 2014, 2019, and 2024. As Lord Mayor, Ray McAdam has set out a bold and forward-looking programme under the theme Celebrating Dublin’ a year long initiative to champion the city’s people, neighbourhoods, heritage, and future potential. His mayoralty is focused on delivering tangible improvements to civic life and long-term planning for the city’s future.
Róis-Máire Donnelly
Lord Mayor of Belfast
As Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Róis-Máire Donnelly serves as the city’s civic leader and chief ambassador. She promotes Belfast’s communities, businesses and cultural life while championing the city as a destination for investment and opportunity. Drawing on her experience as an Operations Manager at Active Communities Network, she has a strong understanding of community development, inclusion and partnership working. She works closely with local organisations, residents and stakeholders to support Belfast’s continued growth and development.
Damian Boylan
Lord Mayor of Cork
Damian Boylan is the recently appointed Lord Mayor of Cork and a councillor for Cork City North-West. First elected to Cork City Council in 2019, he has served as a dedicated public representative, contributing to local government and civic life across the city.
As Lord Mayor, he will represent Cork at civic, community and official engagements, to suppor the city’s continued development and promote its interests locally and nationally.
Anthony Flynn
Deputy Chief Executive, Dublin City Council
As Deputy Chief Executive of Dublin City Council, Anthony Flynn provides strategic leadership in shaping the city’s long-term development and economic prosperity. He is responsible for planning, property, and economic development functions, supporting initiatives that advance urban regeneration, economic growth, and enterprise development. His work focuses on delivering sustainable development, fostering innovation, supporting enterprise, and enhancing Dublin’s position as a vibrant and competitive European capital.
Marie Ward
Chief Executive, Newry, Mourne & Down District Council
Marie Ward is Chief Executive of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, where she leads the delivery of the council’s strategic objectives and oversees key functions including community planning, governance, and organisational performance. She is committed to fostering collaboration across the public, private, and community sectors to support sustainable development and enhance the economic, social, and environmental wellbeing of communities throughout Newry, Mourne and Down.
John Walsh
Chief Executive, Belfast City Council
As Chief Executive of Belfast City Council, John Walsh provides strategic leadership across the council’s operations and long-term development agenda. He oversees initiatives that support urban regeneration, economic development, and community wellbeing, with a particular focus on advancing the Belfast Agenda and promoting inclusive growth. His work also involves fostering entrepreneurship and driving partnerships that support Belfast’s continued social and economic development.
Cormac Ó Súilleabháin
Director of Services, City Centre Development & Operation, Cork City Council
Cormac Ó Súilleabháin is Director of Services for City Centre Development & Operations at Cork City Council, where he leads the management, operation, and strategic development of Cork city centre. Working closely with the council’s senior management team, he oversees initiatives spanning urban regeneration, economic development, and public infrastructure.
Ronan McKeown
Future Networks Director
Ronan is a Chartered Electrical Engineer who has worked in the Electricity Industry for 21 years. Over the course of his career, he has worked across a number of jurisdictions including Australia, GB and Northern Ireland. His experience includes Asset Management, renewable project delivery, regulation, network automation, as well as being a Senior Engineering consultant. Ronan joined NIE Networks in 2015 and worked in a number of Asset Management roles. His first Executive role was as Customer & Market Services Director in NIE Networks. This role is responsible for the majority of customer facing functions within NIE Networks, ranging across Network Connections, Digital Transformation, Market Operations and Customer Service. During this time, he has brought forward improvements in overall customer service metrics, NIE Networks’ Digital platforms and developing and delivering a Vulnerable Customer Strategy. Ronan’s current role is as Future Networks Director responsible for the DSO transition and rollout of Smart Metering in Northern Ireland.
Seamus Leheny
Chief Executive, NIFHA
Seamus Leheny is Chief Executive of NIFHA, the Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations, where he leads the organisation’s strategic and operational direction, specialising in housing development, finance and strategic housing issues.