Hosted in Dublin City University, the 35th International Geographical Congress 2024 had over 2,600 delegates in attendance from 74 countries representing a diverse and global gathering of scholars and NGO's.

Held from the 25th - 30th of August 2024 the 35th International Geographical Congress 2024 showcased global geographical research. A lineup of over 2,000 talks and over 400 poster presentations illuminated the global challenges and advancements in geographical research across the world. There was a first of it's kind hybrid talk for the congress, that connected the congress with the Royal Geographical Society in London and allowed the colleagues in London to get a taste of Dublin.

Ireland, with its academic expertise and commitment to sustainability, was a fitting backdrop for the conference. The event was a collaborative effort with Dublin City Council, who's support was invaluable for the successful execution of the conference. Their commitment to the conference was visible through the conference flags being flown along the River Liffey, signifying the conference's economic and cultural value to Dublin.
Throughout the week there was a variety of public events and workshops held across Dublin and other regions to showcase Ireland's culture and natural heritage. Supported by the Dublin Convention Bureau, the conference successfully fostered collaboration across a range of geographical disciplines, with participants from 74 countries. 

The conference embraced sustainability at its core with digital only access and conference programmes, sustainable badges and lanyards, a no single use plastic policy and hosting at a venue with Dublin City Council's de-carbonising zone. 

Key highlights

The 35th International Geographical Congress showcased Ireland to a global stage. Here are some of the key highlights from the conference:

 

1. The congress engaged almost 300 members of the public via events in Dublin city centre such as the City Climate Walk, Mapping Ireland through Time and Dublin: A Writers City, added a layer of societal importance.
2. Prof. Aninditta Datta made history as the first woman from the Global South to give a keynote and be elected to the IGU Executive Committee.
3. The Geography Olympiad for Ireland was launched for the first time and will become an annual event.
4. Sustainable practices were embedded in the conference, with a digital- first approach and a no single use plastic policy.

The 35th International Geographical Conference in Dublin was more than a conference, it was an example of cross-displinary scholary interaction and a demostration of Ireland's warmth and welcoming nature. This confernece showcased Dublin's ability to stage premier international conferences.

Over the years, I have had the privilege of attending many IGCs of the IGU, and Dublin must rank as one of the best. The sessions and plenaries were well organized and intellectually stimulating. You paid extraordinary attention to every detail, and your warm and generous hospitality went beyond the call of duty.

- Prof Brij Maharaj, Durban, South Africa