U.S. Ambassador and Fulbright Commission host Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi for Fulbright Ireland Public Service Award presentation

April 21, 2024

Dublin – On the evening of Sunday, April 21, U.S. Ambassador to Ireland Claire D. Cronin hosted a reception at her residence for Nancy Pelosi, Speaker Emerita of the U.S. House of Representatives, as she became the inaugural recipient of the Fulbright Ireland Public Service Award. The Fulbright Commission in Ireland presented the award in recognition of Speaker Pelosi’s outstanding contributions to public service throughout her career.

The Honourable Speaker Emerita, Nancy Pelosi said: “Senator Fulbright’s name is synonymous with global leadership, public service and pursuit of peace. His towering legacy of defending democracy continues to inspire us today, as we strive to preserve the Good Friday Agreement, address the climate crisis, win the fight for freedom in Ukraine, and counter the forces of tyranny in our time.  It has been my profound honor to work with so many distinguished leaders in the global arena on these priorities and more – and it is with immense gratitude that I accept the inaugural Fulbright Ireland Public Service Award.”

The United States Ambassador to Ireland, Claire D. Cronin said: “I am honoured to have the opportunity to recognise the achievements of Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi. Her commitment to public service is an inspiration to us all and reflects the values at the heart of the U.S.-Ireland Fulbright program.  Speaker Emerita Pelosi is a tireless champion for healthcare, climate action, equality, and human rights.  Throughout her career, she has been a great friend of Ireland.  The Speaker Emerita has always been vocal in her support for the Good Friday Agreement and the peace and stability that it represents.”

Professor Diane Negra, Fulbright Board Chair Emerita, added: “It is a privilege to present The Honourable Speaker Emerita, Nancy Pelosi, with the Inaugural Fulbright Ireland Public Service Award. Her leadership, dedication to public service, climate advocacy, support of the peace process and the Northern Ireland Protocol, and steadfastness in support of Democracy in the United States make her an outstanding recipient of this award. We honour Speaker Emerita’s courageous diplomatic contributions and strategic acumen in finding political solutions for the most pressing problems of our time.”

Dr. Dara FitzGerald, Executive Director of the Fulbright Commission in Ireland, said: “The Fulbright Commission in Ireland is delighted to present Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi with the inaugural Fulbright Ireland Public Service Award. The Fulbright Program is one of the most esteemed education and cultural exchange programmes in the world. Fulbright awardees embody the qualities of those who we honour with the Fulbright Ireland Public Service Award. The Honourable Speaker Emerita, Nancy Pelosi, exemplifies the core Fulbright qualities of public service, leadership and compassion that contribute to mutual understanding across nations, which is needed now more than ever.”

The Fulbright Commission in Ireland is a bilateral partnership supported by the Irish Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and the U.S. Department of State. The Commission annually awards grants for Irish citizens, and E.U. citizens resident in Ireland for over five years, to study, research, or teach in the U.S. and for Americans to do the same in Ireland. Since its formation, over 2,500 postgraduate students, scholars, professionals, and teachers have participated in the Fulbright Program between the U.S. and Ireland.

The Fulbright Ireland Public Service Award is conferred annually by the Fulbright Commission in Ireland to a person who demonstrates outstanding commitment to public service, education and cultural exchange, and cross-cultural collaboration and/or who contributes to finding solutions to global problems.

Nancy Pelosi served as the 52nd Speaker of the House of Representatives. In 2007, she was elected the first woman to serve in the role and in January 2019 she regained the position. She led the House Democrats for 20 years and served as House Democratic Whip. In 2013, she was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame. Currently, she serves as Speaker Emerita of the House and as the Representative for California’s 11th Congressional District.

ENDS

For further information, please contact:
John B. Murphy, Press Office, U.S. Embassy Dublin. Phone: +353 (0)87 955 5644 | Email: MurphyJB@state.gov

Aoife Drinan, Communications Officer, Fulbright Commission in Ireland.
Phone: 01 6607670 | Email: aoife.drinan@fulbright.ie

Photography from Conor McCabe Photography Ltd. info@conormccabe.ie

Follow this link to see photos of the event.