On the 25th and 26th of February Ireland’s inaugural National Security Summit takes place in the Helix Dublin and the event aims to start a much needed public debate on important security issues that touch on all aspects of our lives. This landmark event will present to the country and the wider world Ireland’s indigenous security thought leaders, researchers and industries while welcoming distinguished guests from abroad. It will be an important showcase and a platform for domestic and international engagement.
The National Security Summit Ireland was launched in September 2019 with a series of thought provoking presentations and a panel discussion on ‘Protecting democracy in the age of disinformation’. The speakers at the launch included The Hon. Mr Justice John L. Murray former Chief Justice of Ireland, Deputy Eamon Ryan Leader of the Green Party, Mr Ben Nimmo head of investigations at Graphika, Ms Liz Carolan executive director of Digital Action Ireland and Dr Jane Suiter, head of the DCU Institute for Future Media and Journalism. The panel examined the prevalence of disinformation and fake news and the readiness and ability of government and state agencies to respond to that threat.
The 2020 summit is organised by Slándáil a volunteer non-profit group that aims to promote discussion and debate of national security issues. Slándáil is the Irish language term for security and its broader meaning includes concepts of safety, protection and future stability. The summit will connect government, academia, our business community and the public in order to encourage informed debate of our national security needs and requirements. The event is proudly supported by a number of State agencies, universities and the business community and we thank all our supporters for their continued assistance.
In the age of climate chaos, emerging disruptive technologies, and greater connectivity in cyberspace, Ireland’s geographical position no longer guarantees the safety and stability that we have become accustomed to. What are our current security and defence capabilities as a country and what are our future security needs going to be? How will global mega trends or Brexit affect these requirements? How can we enhance and strengthen cross border cooperation? How will we promote and grow our indigenous security industry and research sector without compromising our nation’s values? The time to discuss and debate these issues is now and we encourage you to come join the conversation.
Right now the national security architecture is undergoing unprecedented changes with the organisational transformation of An Garda Síochána, the creation of a National Security Analysis Centre, growing calls for a comprehensive re-evaluation of defence policies and capabilities and the formulation of our first National Security Strategy. Our packed agenda will touch on all these issues and much more with in depth discussions on global security issues such as climate change, disruptive technologies, and cyber security.
We will be joined at the summit by the newly appointed director of the National Security Analysis Centre, Mr. Dermot Woods, the chief of staff of the Defence Forces Vice Admiral Mark Mellett and by senior members from all of our emergency services. With speakers from over 10 countries representing a diverse group of organisations including the UN, EU, WMO, NATO and FBI, this really is an unmissable event for those with interest in or passion for security.
Tickets are free for members of all uniformed and emergency services in Ireland, academic staff and students with concessions for various other groups. For more information check out www.nssi.ie and you can register for tickets at nvite.com/slandail/ede85
