The Northern Ireland Executive is now majority (58%) female and is taking on a pioneering role. It is also notable to see women in portfolios that are not traditionally considered female territory – such as economy and infrastructure.

We are therefore delighted to be talking to the Northern Ireland Minister for the Economy Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA about these developments. Dr Archibald’s appointment follows a well-established trail of women in the Northern Ireland Executive – five out of ten of the Executive Ministers are women, including the First and deputy First Ministers.

Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA became Minister for the Economy in Northern Ireland on 3rd February 2025. Previous to this, she served as Finance Minister from February 2024. She grew up in Coleraine and attended Loreto College, Coleraine and graduated from Queen’s University, Belfast with a BSc in Molecular Biology and a PhD by research with a Department of Agriculture and Rural Development studentship. She also completed a Postgraduate diploma in Management & Corporate Governance at Ulster University. Dr Archibald will continue to drive forward the economic vision for Northern Ireland with a focus on innovation, growth, productivity and a greener economy.

We are very much looking forward to this special event with you and to many interesting insights and valuable discussions.