The Iveagh House Dinner during the Venturewave Capital Global Advisory Council (GAC) 2025 brought together policymakers, investors, and diplomats to explore how Ireland’s global diplomacy, trade networks and education system can underpin the country’s long-term impact leadership. This event demonstrated the Ireland global diplomacy impact in fostering these crucial discussions.

The evening featured keynote contributions from Enda Kenny (former Taoiseach of Ireland), Minister Neale Richmond (Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail), and Kieran McLoughlin (Managing Partner, Venturewave Capital, alongside senior government and enterprise representatives. Such gatherings underscore Ireland’s global diplomacy impact on the world stage.

Global Competitiveness Through Education and Trade

Enda Kenny reflected on Ireland’s transformation over the past two decades, noting that cooperation between the public and private sectors has been central to national resilience, a testament to the enduring Ireland global diplomacy impact. He urged continued investment in education as Ireland’s most strategic resource: “Free education changed Ireland once. Continuous learning will change it again.”

Minister Neale Richmond emphasised Ireland’s role as a forward-looking, open economy built on talent and diplomacy. He cited new trade relationships with Japan, the Gulf states and the U.S. as proof of Ireland’s ability to balance innovation with regulation. “We are expanding our diplomatic footprint to match our ambitions in technology and sustainable finance,” he said.

Enda Kenny and Minister Neale Richmond on stage at the Venturewave Global Advisory Council 2025 discussing Ireland’s global diplomacy impact
Enda Kenny and Minister Neale Richmond in conversation at the Global Advisory Council 2025 in Dublin.

Impact Capital Meets Foreign Policy

Kieran McLoughlin outlined how impact investing can reinforce Ireland’s soft power and its international reputation as a hub for ethical finance. “When Irish capital solves global problems — in climate, health and education — it builds trust, not just returns,” he said. The discussion underscored Venturewave Capital’s role in positioning Ireland as a centre for global impact funds, further highlighting the Ireland global diplomacy impact in international markets.

The dinner concluded that Ireland’s unique combination of education excellence, diplomatic reach and credibility in finance gives it a defining role in shaping the next generation of responsible capitalism.

Watch the highlights of the Venturewave Capital Imace Ireland Conference 2025 her Impact Ireland 2025 Playlist or explore the complete event coverage in Impact Must Be Measured — The Global Advisory Council 2025 Recap.