When I founded the International Trade Institute, my ambition was to help build a stronger, more connected international trade profession.
Every day, I have the privilege of working with professionals from across government, industry and academia with trade policy, customs, trade compliance, export controls, logistics, supply chain and international business. Through our partnerships with Glasgow Caledonian University, the World Trade Institute, our International Board of Advisors, and our distinguished faculty of educators, I’m constantly reminded that international trade is shaped by many different perspectives, but also by a common purpose.
Over the past few years, one thing has become very clear: our profession is changing faster than ever.
Artificial Intelligence is transforming the way we work. Geopolitical events are reshaping the landscape of policy making and new regulations are emerging at pace. Businesses are looking to their trade teams not only for technical expertise, but for strategic insight and leadership.
As these conversations became more frequent, I found myself asking one question:
“Where do the people shaping international trade come together to discuss what comes next?”
There are excellent conferences focused on specific disciplines, and there are many outstanding training programmes. But I felt there was an opportunity to create something a little different – a forum that brings together our alumni, industry, government and academia to explore the future of international trade from multiple perspectives.
That idea became the Global Trade Leadership Summit.
Before planning the programme, we asked our early delegates what they most wanted to discuss.
The answers were remarkably consistent.
- Artificial Intelligence.
- Trade compliance and regulatory change.
- Geopolitics.
- Trade policy.
- Supply chain resilience.
- Leadership.
- The future role of trade professionals.
What struck me was that they all pointed to the same challenge: today’s trade professionals are expected to navigate increasing complexity while helping their organisations remain competitive, resilient and globally connected.
My hope is that the Global Trade Leadership Summit becomes a place where ideas are shared openly, relationships are built across sectors, and conversations continue long after the event has finished.
A place where customs specialists can learn from trade policymakers. Where business leaders can hear directly from educators. Where government can engage with industry. And where the next generation of trade leaders can gain fresh perspectives on the challenges and opportunities ahead.
If we can achieve that, then the Summit will have done far more than host a successful event.
It will have strengthened the community that supports international trade.
And I think that’s something worth building.
I hope you’ll join us in Dublin on 9 September* as we begin that journey together.
Fiona Luciani
Managing Director
International Trade Institute
*Register here: https://forms.gle/sMgKD7xz9fXzD8Aq9