Ireland’s economic success and social progress have long been underpinned by our commitment to openness, inclusion and respect. These values have shaped our global reputation and helped position Ireland as an exceptional place to live, work, visit and invest. They are central to the strength of “Brand Ireland” as a country where people can build a life, contribute and belong, regardless of your background, creed or identity.
In recent years, however, we have seen a rise in antiimmigration, antiLGBT+ and antiestablishment sentiment, often amplified by misinformation and disinformation. This trend risks fuelling division and undermining the inclusive society that has been fundamental to Ireland’s economic resilience and attractiveness.
Ibec’s Open for Business campaign reaffirms the shared belief of Irish business that an open, outward looking and inclusive society is essential to our long-term prosperity. As the campaign rolls out, we will highlight the positive economic and social impact of inclusion through case studies, podcasts and events. It will also provide practical tools and guidance to support employers in fostering respectful workplaces and in assisting employees who may be affected by harassment, misinformation or online hostility.
By championing these values, we can protect Ireland’s reputation, strengthen social cohesion and ensure that our economy remains competitive, innovative and globally connected.
Launch event
\This past November, we were delighted to hold the launch event for the Open for Business campaign at our Dublin office.
Fiona Murphy, Associate Director at Edelman, gave a deep dive of the Edelman 2025 Trust Barometer, offering crucial insights into the impact of misinformation and economic uncertainty on public sentiment.
This was followed by an insightful panel discussion with contributors Fiona Murphy (Edelman), Carolan Lennon (Salesforce), and Diana Sirila (Tech Counsel), and included our own Kara McGann and Fergal O’Brien.
