Simon Coveney Keynote Speaker

Simon Coveney is an experienced and articulate political leader, known for professional relationship-building abilities and his in-depth understanding of public policy, legal practices and standards.

For many years he was committed to public service –  fostering enterprise growth and to creating positive global change. He stepped down from political life in late 2024 and is pursuing new professional interests, these include participation in a small number of national and multinational firms and he working in as an advisory firm.

Simon spent 26 years in active public life in Ireland and internationally. He was elected as a member of Ireland’s Parliament (Dáil Éireann) and served as a Government Minister in several key departments.   He also acted as Deputy Prime Minister (Tánaiste) during this time.  His main ministerial roles included:

–Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment (2017-2024) – In this position, he oversaw the ‘New Enterprise Plan’, designed to help drive competitiveness, entrepreneurship, innovation and sustainable jobs.  He also brought in measures to support FDI growth across Tech, Pharma, Food and Financial Services. Other accomplishments included developing an industrial strategy for offshore wind and a plan for decarbonisation and digitalisation of the Irish Economy.

-Minister for Defence (2020 -2022) – He set up and published a Commission Report on the Future of the Defence Forces

–Minister for Foreign Affairs (2017 -2020) – Simon was the chief Brexit negotiator and spokesperson for the Government with responsibility for Northern Ireland, the Irish Peace Process and UK relations.

Simon was also Ireland’s Deputy Prime Minister (Tánaiste) (2017-2020) and Deputy Leader of his political party -Fine Gael (2017-2024). He was a Member of UN Security Council for Ireland (2020-2022).  During this time, he spoke out on the conflicts in Ukraine, Afghanistan, Ethiopia and the Middle East.

He was elected as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) (2004-2007).   While a MEP, he was a Member of Foreign Affairs Committee, the Internal Market Committee and the Fisheries Committee.

Throughout his distinguished career,  Simon has shown leadership and demonstrated strategic planning capability in large and complex areas and organisations.    He is known for his negotiation skills in difficult and divisive circumstances and for his ability to work in an inclusive and positive way with his internal teams and stakeholders and with external parties.

Simon has a B.Sc degree in Agriculture and Land Management – he played Rugby at College level in Ireland and in the UK.