Northern Ireland Emerging Leaders Conference 2026 – NCAFP

On April 28, 2026, the National Council on American Foreign Policy (NCAFP) hosted the Northern Ireland Emerging Leaders Conference. This conference took place at the Northern Ireland Bureau and was co-hosted by the Global Irish Studies Initiative.

Now in its third year, the Northern Ireland Emerging Leaders Program equips community leaders, scholars, and activists with tools and insights to turn forward-thinking ideas into actionable policy, and provides participants with a rigorous platform for the next generation to present their research focusing on advancing peace and prosperity in Northern Ireland and beyond. The 2026 cohort specifically concentrated its efforts on pillars essential to institutional and societal longevity, economic development, climate and biodiversity, and the strengthening of democratic resilience. Participants presented their policy papers and recommendations to U.S. policymakers, diplomats, and transatlantic partners.

View the conference program here.