DSA Ireland will host the Director's Meeting of the European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI) from 28 to 30 October 2026. This will bring together the directors of over 60 development research institutes from across Europe. We are delighted to use this opportunity to host a public lecture and panel sessions. Details are as follows:
Development Dialogues
Part 1: European Development Cooperation in the Current Conjuncture
Part 2: Crisis Preparedness for the Incoming Storm
Venue: Trinity College Dublin – JM Synge Lecture Theatre, Arts Building
Date: Thursday, 29th October
Time: 2.00pm to 6.00pm
Background & Context
The current conjuncture is marked by intersecting and interacting crises and competing demands. From green, digital, and demographic transitions to tariff-trade-territory wars, Europe and its member states are pulled between their interests in securing global sustainable development cooperation and their concerns about security and strategic autonomy in a rapidly changing geopolitical context. The extent to which this conjuncture is shaping the focus and direction of European Development Cooperation is widely debated, with many concerned that increased defence spending will drive cutbacks in social investment, climate action, and socio-ecological transformation.
This event will focus on this conjuncture and ask what it means for development cooperation and global solidarities. The event will open with a keynote address by Mr Barry Andrews, MEP, followed by a panel discussion with leading experts examining the changing face of European Development Cooperation. The second part of the day will focus on crisis readiness and preparedness for the incoming perfect storm. Commencing with a keynote contribution from Dr Sinead Walsh, our panel of experts will discuss crisis readiness for the unfolding, interacting food-climate-human- security-care crises driven by a historic El Niño, ongoing wars, realigning geopolitical alliances and weakening international institutions.
PART 1 | European Development Cooperation in the current conjuncture |
| 2.00–2.30 p.m. | Arrival and registration |
| 2.30–2.40 p.m. | Welcome and introductions Chair, DSAI · President, EADI |
| 2.40–3.00 p.m. | Keynote address Mr Barry Andrews, MEP |
| 3.00–3.30 p.m. | Panel response and inputs Dr Sinead Walsh · Dr Eilish Dillon · Mr Andrew Sherriff · Prof Andrew Sumner |
| 3.30–4.00 p.m. | Audience Q&A Moderated discussion |
| 4.00–4.30 p.m. | BREAK |
PART 2 | Crisis preparedness for the incoming storm |
| 4.30–4.40 p.m. | Welcome and introduction Chair, DSAI · President, EADI |
| 4.40–5.00 p.m. | Keynote address Dr Sinead Walsh |
| 5.00–5.30 p.m. | Panel discussion Prof Gerard McCann · Dr Abdelbagi Ahmed · Mr Connell Foley · Dr Nita Mishra |
| 5.30–5.50 p.m. | Audience Q&A Moderated discussion |
| 5.50 p.m. | Reflections, thanks and close President, EADI |