by Mark Davidson

Introduction

It was an absolute pleasure to attend the Wheel Summit 2024, an event that truly lived up to its theme of “Learning from the Past, Looking to the Future.” Hosted by The Wheel, a vibrant membership community of over 2,400 services and individuals working within the community, voluntary, and social enterprise sectors, the summit offered a rich tapestry of insights and inspirations.

The day commenced with an impactful opening by Minister O’Brian TD, Minister of State with Responsibility for Rural and Community Development. Minister O’Brian announced a significant funding boost of €2.5 million to support 56 not-for-profit, civil society organisations working on projects for International Protection applicants. This announcement set a positive and hopeful tone for the day.

Looking back

The first keynote speaker was Larry O’Connell from the National Economic and Social Council (NESC), the national advisory body to the Taoiseach and the Irish Government. Larry’s presentation, “Learning from the Past,” provided a comprehensive review of social and economic changes over the past 50 years, highlighting the pivotal role of the community and voluntary sector in driving this change. His insights underscored the importance of historical context in shaping current and future initiatives.

Moving Forward

Shifting our focus from past to future, Derek Walker from the Commission for Future Generations in Wales took the stage. Derek’s talk, “Looking to the Future,” emphasised the critical role of the sector in fostering change and the necessity of stakeholder engagement. His discussion on the Commission’s work provided a forward-thinking perspective on sustainable development and intergenerational responsibility.

Key takeaways

One of the standout moments for me was the presentation by Noeline Blackwell, a distinguished Human Rights Lawyer and Former CEO of Dublin Rape Crisis Centre. Drawing from her vast experience, Noeline eloquently discussed how all sector stakeholders can contribute to positive change. Her speech was both inspiring and thought-provoking, leaving a lasting impression on all attendees.

The event also featured dynamic panel discussions and breakout sessions covering a wide range of topics, from Climate Action to delivering real-life integration benefits for both local and new communities. Although it was impossible to attend every session, the diversity and depth of the discussions were truly commendable.

As the day drew to a close, I left the summit with a renewed sense of purpose and community. The Wheel Summit 2024 was not just a conference but a powerful reminder of the extensive network of non-governmental services available to support us, no matter our circumstances. The resounding message from all attendees and speakers was clear: ‘We are here to help.’

In conclusion

The Wheel Summit 2024 was a remarkable event that successfully bridged the past and future, fostering a spirit of collaboration and community. We look forward to seeing how the discussions and ideas from this summit will translate into real-world impact in the coming years, and how 4OC will continue to support these sectors in the delivery of their impactful services.