US Economic Envoy Declan Kelly has delivered an inspirational address on entrepreneurship, innovation and leadership to an audience of 250 University of Ulster business students and academics.

As part of his wide ranging talk, Envoy Kelly paid tribute to the University of Ulster and its contribution to the development of Northern Ireland's economy and society:

“I applaud those who have established the University of Ulster’s reputation as a world-class facility for research and academic excellence," he said.

"Your efforts have provided hundreds of students with a genuine opportunity to fulfill their potential, and you have helped Northern Ireland better position itself for inward investment”.

"As global commerce moves rapidly towards knowledge-intensive economies and technology-focused industries, it will be vital for leading universities to respond to these trends. 

"It will also be critical for top graduates to possess the desire to take a leading role in building economic activity and growth.  I have no doubt that the University of Ulster possesses the capacity to lead and inspire in each of these areas."

Envoy Kelly was welcomed to the campus by University of Ulster Council Chairman Gerry Mallon, Professor Alastair Adair, PVC Communication and External Affairs, and Professor Marie McHugh, Dean of the Ulster Business School. 

You can listen to or download his talk (41Mb, 30mins) from the URL below:

 http://news.ulster.ac.uk/podcasts/KellyLecture.mp3