 Speech Topics
Peace through Inclusive Dialogue: Ireland’s Journey
International conflict and war continue to be age-old concerns that threaten the economic prosperity of the global community. While centuries of conflict continue in so many parts of the world, there are too few success stories. Bertie Ahern’s much lauded effort to bring peace to Northern Ireland is one of those stories. In 1998, the British and Irish governments and most of the Northern Irish political parties established a framework for power sharing so that peace could finally come to Ireland. Ahern’s role was pivotal in bringing ideological opposites to the negotiating table and keeping them there when others had lost hope. The World Economic Forum recently appointed Ahern to the Agenda Council on Negotiation and Conflict Resolution. He regales audiences with a thoughtful and history-infused presentation as only an Irishman can, by sharing: the historical significance of Ireland’s late-20th-century peace process, the delicate strategy and skills he employed to achieve success, how to find common ground and strike a deal, what other countries, corporations and even individuals can learn from his approach.
Prime Minister as CEO
Leading the turnaround of an entire country is akin to the constant evolution companies and organizations must undergo to remain competitive. Bertie Ahern dedicated his career to re-inventing his country’s economic and political stakes in global affairs. He persuaded his fellow politicians and citizens to accept short-term sacrifices to achieve long-term gain. His ability to persuade his constituents to follow his vision provides lessons for even the most seasoned executives. In this thought-provoking presentation, Ahern describes:
· His approach to developing and executing a successful long-term vision
· How to persuade employees, customers and stakeholders to participate and embrace change
· What every leader must do to achieve large-scale success
· How to successfully bring people with you by building consensus
Leadership in Changing Times: What it Takes to Succeed
Leading a nation, organization or team of any size is a roller-coaster ride. Bertie Ahern shares what it takes to remain consistent while adapting to changing circumstances. He explores with audiences how to develop a culture of trust and faith necessary to lead effectively. After serving 11 years as prime minister, he left office with tremendous popularity ratings following a successful career he began at a local grassroots level. He unified a factional party and inspired tremendous devotion. Ahern’s success is directly attributable to his profound leadership skills combined with his dedication to public service. In this engaging presentation, Ahern advises audiences on:
· The challenges and obstacles he faced on his path to leadership
· What people naturally need from a leader
· Key tactics to use when negotiating
The Future Role of the European Union on the World Stage
The future role of the European Union (EU) is an important part of any conversation regarding global power shifts. The stakes are high, as emerging markets in Asia and Latin America may overtake traditional wealth dynamics. Bertie Ahern’s works for EU enlargement means that today, 27 democratic states are united around a commitment to open markets, democracy and peace. As president of the European Council in 2004, Ahern negotiated a European constitution against all odds. Ahern engages audiences with his recounting of how nations as diverse as England, France, Germany and Italy could come to common agreement under his brokerage. He provides extraordinary insight into:
· An assessment of the benefits and challenges facing the EU
· His predictions for the future of the EU and what it means to the U.S.
· The changing geopolitical landscape
About Bertie Ahern
Bertie Ahern brought peace and political prominence to Ireland, creating a progressive strategy and blueprint for other countries of the world to follow.
Best known for his leadership in forging the Good Friday Agreement which brought peace and stability to Northern Ireland, Bertie Ahern led Ireland through a time of tremendous political, social and economic change. Ahern brought divergent parties together, both in his time as prime minister and as a leader in the European Union, ushering in a time of unprecedented cooperation in the name of solving complex international issues. Ahern worked tirelessly to attract global corporations to Ireland, implementing bold corporate tax incentives and education reforms that brought stability to a historically troubled economy. Today, Ahern looks to the future in explaining what the influence of the vibrant European Union will mean as the world undergoes a shifting power dynamic brought on by the rising influence of emerging powers. A veteran political leader who has won 12 different elections serving in countless ministerial, party and governmental roles, Ahern provides a keen understanding of the challenges—and opportunities—that lie ahead post the world’s current economic turmoil.
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