Two landmark events in recent weeks have highlighted the growing momentum behind cross-border collaboration and regional leadership, reinforcing the North West’s role as a driver of economic growth and partnership across the island of Ireland.

The inaugural Summit of the Cities brought together, for the first time, the Mayors and civic leaders of all 12 cities on the island of Ireland, including Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Cllr Grace Uí Niallais, who represented our city. The historic gathering created a unique platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing and strengthening relationships between our Island’s urban centres, recognising the important role cities play in driving economic, cultural and social prosperity.

Closely following this milestone, leaders from government, local authorities, health, education and business across Derry and Donegal gathered at Stormont for the launch of the revised North West Strategic Growth Plan and the signing of a landmark cross-border Health Memorandum of Understanding. Derry Chamber, alongside Letterkenny Chamber, Derry City and Strabane District Council, Donegal County Council, the Western Health and Social Care Trust and the Health Service Executive, was actively involved in supporting this partnership approach, which aims to help the cross-border region work more effectively across business, health and local government.

Together, these developments reflect an increasing recognition that strong regional partnerships are essential to delivering sustainable economic growth and improving opportunities for communities across the island.

Derry Chamber warmly welcomes both initiatives, recognising that they build upon years of collaboration between public, private and civic partners and further strengthen the North West’s position as one of the island’s leading examples of successful cross-border cooperation.

The Chamber has consistently championed a cross-border approach to economic development, recognising that the North West operates as a naturally connected economic region where businesses, employees and communities already work across jurisdictional boundaries every day.

The Strategic Growth Plan acknowledges this reality by bringing together partners across local government, healthcare, education and business around a shared vision for a connected, competitive and sustainable region.

For our business community, these partnerships provide an important platform for continued growth. They strengthen the relationships that underpin investment, innovation and skills development while creating greater opportunities to address shared challenges through collaboration.

Derry Chamber President Steven Lindsay addressed Stormont alongside Letterkenny President Karoline Sweeney. Both welcomed the opportunity to continue highlighting practical issues affecting cross-border business activity, including the importance of improving mobility for workers and reducing barriers that can limit economic opportunity across the region.

Both announcements strongly reflect our Chamber’s presidential theme of “Driving Regional Delivery for National Impact.” They demonstrate how regional collaboration, shared ambition and long-term partnership can strengthen the North West while contributing to wider economic success across the island of Ireland.

As cross-border cooperation continues to grow, Derry Chamber looks forward to working alongside its partners to ensure the North West remains at the forefront of regional innovation, economic growth and all-island collaboration.