Behind the Lens: Capturing the JCI World President's Visit to Dublin – Part 2
Day 2: Diplomacy, Dialogue & Dynamic Connections
The second day of President Keisuke Shimoyamada's visit to Dublin was packed with high-level engagements, government meetings, and a powerful evening celebrating youth entrepreneurship. As the official photographer, I had the privilege of capturing the President navigating through some of Ireland's most iconic institutions.
Morning at Chambers Ireland
Our day began with a visit to Chambers Ireland, where President Shimoyamada engaged in conversations about business innovation, youth leadership, and economic development. The team at Chambers Ireland provided an insightful overview of the organisation's work and its alignment with JCI's global mission. I focused on candid shots that highlighted the warmth of the discussions and the exchange of forward-thinking ideas.
A Historic Visit to Leinster House
Next on the agenda was Leinster House, the seat of the Irish parliament. This was a landmark moment as President Shimoyamada stepped into the political heart of the nation. My lens captured the President walking through the grand halls, a visual testament to the growing relationship between JCI and Irish institutions.
Lunch and Leadership
Following the tour, we were treated to a private lunch inside Leinster House. The setting was both formal and friendly, providing an ideal space for meaningful dialogue. Over lunch, President Shimoyamada met with Darragh O'Brien TD, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and Keira Keogh TD. Their conversations centred around civic engagement, leadership, and youth participation in governance. Each image I captured reflected the mutual respect and shared vision among these leaders.
Meeting the Tánaiste, Simon Harris
One of the highlights of the day was a meeting with Simon Harris, Tánaiste (Deputy Prime Minister) of Ireland. The President and the Tánaiste discussed the role of young people in shaping the future, both nationally and globally. Photographing such an impactful exchange was a reminder of how powerful youth leadership can be when connected to policy and governance.
Evening at TU Dublin: JCI CYE Launch & Networking
As the sun set, we arrived at TU Dublin's Grangegorman Campus for a vibrant networking event and the launch of the JCI Creative Young Entrepreneur (CYE) program. The event brought together students, entrepreneurs, and JCI members to celebrate innovation and creativity. President Shimoyamada's keynote energised the room, and I moved from candid networking shots to the formal moments of the launch, capturing the spirit of collaboration and ambition.
Coming Up in Part 3: In the final chapter of this series, follow along as President Shimoyamada explores Irish culture, connects with local communities, and wraps up his inspiring journey through Dublin.