Embassies and Consulates connecting diaspora

Across the world Irish Embassies and Consulates provide a forum for local diaspora communities to come together on an ongoing basis to facilitate information-sharing, networking and peer-to-peer learning.

This work will continue during the period of this strategy and will be enhanced by the ongoing expansion of the Ireland House model across the world. While there are many examples of this in action, the two below highlight the value of our diplomatic network providing a regular space for bringing networks together.

Le Chéile

Established by the Consulate General in Sydney in 2018, Le Chéile brings together representatives from over 35 different community organisations in New South Wales. It provides a platform for community leaders to connect and collaborate and discuss issues of interest to the community.

The group is currently working on the development of a shared Irish Community Calendar to provide a central, accessible online platform where members can share their organisations’ planned activities throughout the year, supporting greater coordination, visibility and cross promotion within the Irish community locally.

San Francisco’s Sí Sessions is a women-led initiative bringing together leaders across tech, business, the public sector, media and the arts, as well as emerging female leaders at earlier stages of their careers.

The network was established in 2023 by the Consulate General in San Francisco as a female-led event series targeting Irish and Irish-connected female entrepreneurs and professionals in the Bay Area, California, where approximately 10% of residents identify as being of Irish descent.

The Network hosts events that engage Irish women in the diaspora on policy and programmes, showcase Irish women’s leadership globally in multiple sectors, facilitate peer-to-peer learning and support as well as empower the next generation of Irish business leaders on the West Coast.