On 25 March, the Embassy of Japan in Ireland, in cooperation with the Ireland Japan Association, hosted a panel discussion on AI and the Digital Economy at the Ambassador’s Residence in Dublin, highlighting the importance of continued collaboration between Ireland and Japan in shaping the future of AI.

Manabu Miyagawa, Ambassador of Japan to Ireland, noted: ‘AI has been high on the agenda in the world. Tonight’s gathering is our expression to share such sense of urgency with friends and colleagues from business and government of Ireland and Japan, two most important like-minded countries.’

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all guest speakers, moderator, and participants at the event whose insights and engagement made the discussion exciting and thought-provoking.

Our special thanks to:
Michael Lohan, CEO, IDA Ireland
John Lonsdale, CEO, CeADAR Ireland
Brian Mac Namee, University College Dublin
Richard Jones, Amazon Web Services (AWS) Ireland
Colin M. Melody, Deloitte Ireland
Raymond J. Hegarty, Vice Chairperson, Ireland Japan Association (Moderator)

Opening Remarks by Ambassador Miyagawa

“On behalf of the co-hosts, Ireland Japan Association and the Embassy of Japan, I would like to express our sincere gratitude to all the participants, in particular, the panelists:

– Mr. Michael Lohan, CEO, IDA Ireland,
– Dr. John Lonsdale, CEO, Center for Applied AI and Data Analytics Research,
– Dr. Brian Mac Namee, University College Dublin,
– Mr. Richard Jones, Amazon Web Services Ireland,
– Mr. Colin Melody, Deloitte Ireland, and

Mr. Raymond Hegarty, Ireland Japan Association, Moderator for tonight’s event.

Let me also take this opportunity to reiterate my sincere congratulations to Ms. Catherine Grennel-Whyte, Chairperson of the IJA, Chairperson-designate Mr. Neil Cowhey and its members for the Foreign Minister’s Commendation for the IJA’s huge contribution to the development of our bilateral relations.

AI has been high on the agenda in the world. For companies, AI would affect not only costs and benefits, but also corporate governance and the whole image of the company. In diplomacy, AI has not only reformed our day-to-day work, but also deepened our sense of urgency that there should be international rules which regulate the use of AI in appropriate ways. And in the military and security spheres, AI has dramatically changed strategies and how we both fight and prevent wars.
Given the significance of AI, the Government of Japan has established the AI Strategic Headquarters led by the Prime Minister, to proactively deal with AI issues in 2025. Tonight’s gathering is our expression to share such sense of urgency with friends and colleagues from business and government of Ireland and Japan, two most important like-minded countries.
I do look forward to fruitful discussions among ourselves tonight.”

Photos: Embassy of Japan in Ireland