Galway mayor begins Chicago visit with focus on shared migration and communtiy values
Galway City’s civic visit to Chicago is under way, with a formal business agreement signed and a renewed focus on the shared values of migration, community and opportunity that link the two cities.
Galway City Mayor Cllr Helen Ogbu opened the trip on August 10 with a reception hosted at Ireland House in Chicago, marking the start of a three-day programme focused on strengthening ties between Galway and Chicago.
Round table dicscussion taking place at Ireland House Chicago discussing the benefits of the sister city relationship, it’s eceonomic impact and opportunities. © Galway City Council
With Cllr Ogbu are representatives from Galway Chamber, ATU, University of Galway, GTI, Gaillimh le Gaeilge and the Galway Convention Bureau.
Cllr Ogbu expressed her excitement and gratitude at the opportunity to explore further economic and social advancements for both cities, saying they were connected through the shared values of migration, community and opportunity.
“Standing here tonight as Mayor of Galway City means a great deal to me personally,” Cllr Ogbu said at the opening reception.
“Chicago understands better than almost anywhere the power of migration, community, and opportunity. Those values shaped this city, and they shape Galway today.”
The visit is focused on learning from best practice in Chicago and Milwaukee, deepening partnerships, and opening new doors for Galway’s people, students, businesses and cultural organisations.
Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr Helen Ogbu, Pádraig Manning (Acting Consulate General), Nuala Kavanagh (Co-Chair Chicago Galway Sister Cities Committee), John Wrenn (Co-Chair Chicago Galway Sister Cities Committee), Keith Finnegan (Galway City Council), Cáit Noone (Galway Chamber of Commerce). Front: Karen Rohan (Galway Chamber of Commerce), Jan Costner (Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce). © Galway City Council
That focus was formalised on August 11 when the Chambers of Commerce from Galway and Chicagoland signed a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
The agreement establishes a framework for future collaboration to support business engagement, trade facilitation and shared economic growth.
The signing ceremony was hosted at Ireland House and attended by the full Galway delegation.