Galway will welcome the 2026 JCI World President, Alejandra Castillo, for a landmark two-day visit this week as part of the JCI Ireland National Convention.
The visit will bring around 50 international delegates to the city for a programme of high-level discussions focused on young entrepreneurship, women in leadership, leadership development, and cultural and economic collaboration.
Ms Castillo is the 2026 World President of Junior Chamber International (JCI ), a global leadership development organisation with a presence in more than 100 countries. A chemical engineer and founder of her own laboratory, she began her JCI journey in 2006 and has since trained and developed leaders across more than 15 countries.
Her presidency is centred on the theme “Lead. Connect. Evolve.”, highlighting the importance of strategic youth leadership, international collaboration and community-driven change.
A key focus of Ms Castillo’s leadership agenda is empowering young active citizens, supporting greater participation by women in leadership and creating opportunities for cross-border economic and cultural partnerships.
During her visit to Galway, delegates will take part in structured round-table discussions examining the development of entrepreneurship ecosystems and pathways to more gender-equitable leadership. The programme will also include practical leadership and training sessions aimed at young professionals and emerging leaders.
Cultural and economic exchange will form another important part of the convention, providing an opportunity for Irish and international delegates to share experiences, build relationships and explore potential areas for future collaboration.
The convention theme, “Connected Goals – Global Leadership”, reflects JCI’s wider commitment to connecting local action with global challenges and sustainable development objectives.
The Galway visit provides a significant opportunity to showcase the city to an international audience of young leaders and entrepreneurs while highlighting the role Galway and Ireland can play in fostering innovation, leadership and international cooperation.
It also strengthens Galway’s position as a destination for international conferences, leadership programmes and cultural exchange, bringing together people from different countries and backgrounds to share ideas and develop new partnerships.
The JCI Ireland National Convention visit comes at a time when international collaboration and youth leadership remain central to addressing economic, social and community challenges.
With delegates from Ireland and abroad gathering in Galway, the two-day programme will provide a platform for meaningful discussion, networking and the exchange of ideas, while further connecting the city with JCI’s extensive worldwide network.
The visit by Ms Castillo and the international delegation underlines Galway’s growing role as a hub for young leadership, entrepreneurship and international engagement, while giving delegates an opportunity to experience the city and the wider region.
