Kingsley Aikins
Global expert on diaspora engagement, networking and philanthropy with decades of international leadership experience.
Why you should book Kingsley Aikins for your next event
- Learn how strong global networks, diaspora engagement and human connection can create lasting impact for organisations and nations.
- Gain insights from a speaker who has helped shape diaspora strategies in more than 50 countries across the world.
- Discover practical lessons on networking, fundraising and leadership from decades of experience in business and global philanthropy.
Non-binding request for Kingsley Aikins
Diaspora strategist, networking expert and international keynote speaker
Kingsley Aikins is one of the world’s most recognised experts on diaspora engagement, networking and philanthropy. As co-founder and CEO of The Diaspora Institute (TDI), he has advised and contributed to diaspora engagement initiatives in more than 50 countries. With decades of international leadership experience across investment promotion, fundraising and relationship-building, Kingsley delivers engaging and insightful talks that combine global perspective with practical lessons. He is also the founder of The Networking Institute and the author of “Networking Matters – the power of human connection”, making him a sought-after speaker for organisations, governments, universities and corporate audiences worldwide.
Book Kingsley Aikins for your event
Kingsley Aikins is an internationally recognised speaker, author and strategist specialising in diaspora engagement, networking, philanthropy and global relationship-building. With a career spanning government agencies, international trade, fundraising and consultancy, he brings audiences a rare combination of strategic insight, practical experience and engaging storytelling.
As the co-founder and CEO of The Diaspora Institute (TDI), Kingsley has worked with colleagues and organisations across more than 50 countries to help governments, institutions and communities understand the power of diaspora engagement. Through his work, he has contributed to shaping conversations around migration, global identity, economic development and international collaboration.
Kingsley is known for delivering thought-provoking keynote speeches that are rich in experience, practical examples and actionable ideas. Whether speaking to business leaders, policymakers, universities or international organisations, he shares compelling insights into how networks, relationships and global communities can become powerful drivers of growth and influence.
A global expert on diaspora engagement
Few speakers have Kingsley Aikins’ depth of experience in diaspora engagement. Over many years, he has written extensively on the subject, developed online training programmes and advised organisations and governments seeking to build stronger connections with their global communities.
His work through The Diaspora Institute has helped position Ireland as one of the most innovative countries in the world when it comes to diaspora engagement. Together with his colleagues, he has focused on creating strategies that strengthen relationships between nations and their citizens abroad while exploring how diaspora communities can contribute economically, socially and culturally.
Kingsley also authored the Global Diaspora Strategies Toolkit, which was launched in Washington by former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. His expertise has made him a trusted advisor and keynote speaker for international audiences looking to better understand migration, identity, influence and global connectivity.
Audiences leave his presentations with a clearer understanding of how diaspora networks can create opportunities for nations, organisations and individuals alike.
Networking and the power of human connection
Alongside his work in diaspora engagement, Kingsley Aikins is widely respected for his expertise in networking and relationship-building. As founder and CEO of The Networking Institute in Ireland, he has delivered training programmes and workshops for clients across financial services, law, accounting, consulting, government and higher education.
His speaking style combines practical advice with memorable stories drawn from decades of international experience. Kingsley believes that relationships remain one of the most valuable assets in both business and life, and his talks demonstrate how meaningful connections can open doors, strengthen organisations and create long-term opportunities.
His book, “Networking Matters – the power of human connection”, explores the importance of building authentic relationships in an increasingly connected world. In his keynotes, Kingsley shares practical techniques for improving communication, expanding professional networks and creating stronger human connections in both professional and personal settings.
Topics often covered in his talks include:
- Networking and relationship-building
- Diaspora engagement strategies
- Leadership and influence
- Philanthropy and fundraising
- Global Irish identity and international relations
- Building meaningful professional connections
- Public speaking and communication
- International business and collaboration
International leadership and fundraising experience
Kingsley Aikins’ career has taken him across several continents and industries. A graduate in Economics and Politics from Trinity College Dublin, he spent ten years working with IDA Ireland and The Irish Trade Board, including time based in Sydney, Australia. During this period, he worked to attract foreign direct investment into Ireland and promote Irish exports internationally.
While in Australia, he founded the Lansdowne Club in Sydney, a professional business network that reflected his long-standing passion for connecting people and creating opportunities through relationships.
He later moved to the United States to lead The Ireland Funds, one of Ireland’s largest diaspora and philanthropic organisations. During his 21 years leading the organisation, more than half a billion dollars was raised to support projects related to peace, culture and charity across Ireland, both North and South.
This extensive experience gives Kingsley unique authority when speaking about philanthropy, fundraising and international engagement. His talks offer valuable lessons on leadership, collaboration and the importance of building communities around shared purpose.
A respected voice on the international stage
Kingsley Aikins has spoken at conferences, leadership events and international forums around the world. He has delivered a TED Talk in Vilnius, Lithuania, and continues to be a sought-after speaker for organisations looking for fresh perspectives on global engagement, leadership and human connection.
In addition to his speaking and consultancy work, Kingsley serves on the Board of Linkedfinance in Ireland and is Chair of the Trinity College Dublin Trust and Association. His contribution to British-Irish relations was recognised in 2011 when he was awarded a CBE.
Outside of business and public life, Kingsley has a strong sporting background and previously represented Trinity College, the Irish Universities, Leinster Rugby and Vichy in France.
Today, based in Dublin, Kingsley continues to inspire audiences around the world with insightful talks that combine international experience, practical wisdom and a deep understanding of how people and communities connect across borders.
For audiences interested in networking, diaspora engagement, philanthropy, leadership and global collaboration, booking Kingsley Aikins offers an engaging and highly relevant perspective shaped by decades of international experience.
Keynotes
Keynote by Kingsley Aikins:
Networking Matters – The Power of Human Connection
In this highly engaging keynote and masterclass, Kingsley Aikins explores why networking has become one of the most essential skills for professionals, leaders and organisations today. While everyone agrees that strong networks are critical for success, very few schools, universities or companies actively teach people how to build and maintain them effectively.
Kingsley explains how the lasting impact of Covid has fundamentally changed the way people connect. Many individuals have retreated into smaller circles made up of close friends and family, while weaker ties and broader professional relationships have faded. Yet it is often these wider networks — the loose connections and chance encounters — that create opportunity, innovation and growth.
Drawing on decades of international experience, Kingsley demonstrates why organisations are now facing major challenges linked to shrinking networks and weaker workplace connections. These include:
- Reduced business development opportunities
- Less learning through conversation and observation
- Fewer spontaneous ideas and chance encounters
- Declining company loyalty and culture
- Communication challenges among younger generations
Through practical insights, real-world examples and actionable strategies, Kingsley shows audiences how to build strong, diverse and meaningful networks that support both personal and professional success. His keynote leaves audiences with practical tools to improve relationship-building, communication and long-term connection in an increasingly digital world.
Keynote by Kingsley Aikins:
Diaspora Engagement – Unlocking Global Connections
Diaspora engagement has become one of the fastest-growing areas of international development, diplomacy and economic strategy. In this keynote, Kingsley Aikins shares unique insights from his work helping countries, regions and cities around the world build stronger relationships with their global diaspora communities.
As co-founder and CEO of The Diaspora Institute, Kingsley and his colleagues have worked with more than 50 countries on diaspora engagement strategies. Today, over 100 countries have active diaspora policies, reflecting the growing importance of global communities in trade, investment, tourism, education, culture, philanthropy and international relations.
Kingsley explains how advances in technology and communication have transformed the ability of governments and organisations to identify, connect with and engage diaspora populations across the world. He explores why diasporas represent powerful global networks of people who continue to maintain emotional, cultural and economic ties to their countries of origin or affinity.
The keynote provides valuable insight into how diaspora engagement contributes to:
- Trade and foreign direct investment
- Tourism and international reputation
- Education and talent attraction
- Arts, culture and sport
- Philanthropy and fundraising
- International diplomacy and global influence
Drawing on Ireland’s internationally recognised approach to diaspora engagement, Kingsley shares practical examples and strategic lessons from projects delivered alongside governments, international agencies and multilateral organisations including the EU, UN, World Bank, African Union, IOM and ICMPD.
This keynote offers audiences a global perspective on one of the most important international trends shaping economies, societies and international cooperation today.
The Networking Institute - 2024 / 2025 Development Programmes
Watch Kingsley Aikins in action
