Summit 2026: Community at the Heart of Our Democracy
Summit 2026: Community at the Heart of Our Democracy
Join us at Summit 2026 — where Ireland’s charities, community groups and social enterprises gather to connect, collaborate and unlock new possibilities.
The transformative social movements of the past century, such as gender equality, disability and LGBTQ+ rights, social inclusion, community development and climate justice, did not start in the corridors of power; they were sparked by grassroots action in community halls and around kitchen tables.
Charities and community groups connect people to democratic processes, ensuring they have a voice in the policies that affect their lives and society at large. They hold policymakers to account, monitor and advocate for rights, ensure that marginalised voices are represented and deliver key public services with a level of flexibility and innovation that can’t be matched by the State.
Yet this crucial role is not always recognised or supported. In some EU countries, civic space is shrinking, the role of charities and community organisations is questioned, and their existence is threatened, making it increasingly difficult for them to operate, organise and influence change.
As Ireland prepares to assume the EU Presidency in July, we have a unique opportunity to champion our sector’s key role not just at home in Ireland, but across the EU, in preserving and enhancing human rights and democracy, as well as strengthening the connection between people, their communities, the State and Europe.
FANTASTIC NEW VENUE AND EXCITING PROGRAMME
With a dynamic new venue at the Helix in Dublin, and an exciting programme packed with top speakers, inspiring stories, energetic discussions and practical break-out sessions, Summit 2026 is your opportunity to connect with people working across our sector and unlock new opportunities for you and your organisation.
The full programme will be launched in March. Watch this space!
Join us at Summit 2026 and play your part in placing community at the heart of our democracy!
PLENARY KEYNOTE: SÉAMUS BOLAND, PRESIDENT OF THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE
Séamus Boland is President of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) in October 2025. He has been an EESC Member since 2011. He has held different roles at the Committee, including President of the Civil Society Organisations' Group (2020-2025) and Vice President of the Civil Society Organisations' Group (2018-2020). His policy and political interests include the eradication of poverty, social exclusion, rural development and inequality. Séamus has been CEO of Irish Rural Link since 2001, Chair of the Peatlands Council since 2012 and a Board Member of Inland Fisheries Ireland (2018-2022). In October 2024, he was appointed to the Just Transition Commission as an independent expert by the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications in Ireland. President Boland is a farmer and has worked in civil society for over 40 years, including with young people, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities and people living in rural isolation. He is a trained Speech and Drama Educator. President Boland is married to Geraldine Boland and has three children and three grandchildren.
EARLY BIRD OFFER: SAVE UP TO 50%
Register before 31 March and save up to 50% off the full ticket price!
Member of The Wheel: €75 (after 31 March: €150)
Non-Members: €200 (after 31 March: €300)
BOOK YOUR PLACE NOW
For partnership and expo opportunities, email Maria O'Connell.
PARTNERS
