TU Dublin Hosts Shaping the Future Conference on Inclusion, Leadership and Collective Action
TU Dublin recently welcomed the second annual Shaping the Future conference to its Aungier Street campus. Organised by Black & Irish and the African Professional Network of Ireland (APNI), the event brought together community leaders, policymakers, professionals, academics, students, and advocates to explore how Ireland can become a more inclusive and equitable society.
Under the theme “Shaping the Future,” the conference provided a platform for Black and migrant voices, advanced equality and inclusion, and fostered collective action. The event also provided valuable opportunities for networking, knowledge sharing, and collaboration among attendees from a wide range of sectors and communities. Among those in attendance were Pierre Yimbog, Co-Founder and COO of Black & Irish; Leon Diop, Co-Founder and CEO of Black & Irish; and Edima Inyang, President of APNI, who played key roles in shaping the day's discussions.
A key feature of the programme was the panel discussion, Beyond the Narrative: The Net Benefit of Migration in Ireland, which examined the significant contributions migrants make to Irish society and highlighted the importance of evidence-based conversations on migration, diversity, and inclusion.
Pictured: Deputy Ivana Bacik TD with panelists
The conference keynote address was delivered by Deputy Ivana Bacik TD, Labour Party Leader, who discussed the Together We Thrive campaign, an initiative that promotes a fact-based national conversation on migration and highlights the social, economic, and cultural contributions migrants make to communities across Ireland. She emphasised the importance of sharing positive stories, challenging misinformation, and recognising the vital role migrants play in sectors such as healthcare, education, hospitality, and retail.
The programme also included interactive workshops on Responding to Trauma as a Community, led by Black & Irish, and Building and Scaling Economic Power, led by APNI. These sessions encouraged participants to move beyond discussion and explore practical actions that can strengthen communities, promote inclusion, and support future leadership.
Reflecting on the conference, Pierre Yimbog, Co-Founder and COO of Black & Irish and former DIT and TU Dublin Students' Union President and a TU Dublin Law graduate (2017), said:
“The aim of the conference was to challenge the narrative around migrants and their impact on society and economy and show its way more beneficial and fundamental to Ireland thriving. Attendees will have learnt that the Black Irish community play a critical role, and importantly that we recognise this and continue to work together to shape Ireland that's inclusive, safe and supports everyone.”
The conference highlighted the value of partnership, dialogue, and shared leadership in shaping a more inclusive future for Ireland, while reinforcing TU Dublin's commitment to providing a platform for meaningful conversations that connect education, community engagement, and social impact.