As Global Ambassador for @HopeFoundation @hopekfoundation @HOPE_UK, it was a genuine honour to be invited to Dublin yesterday to speak at HOPE's Annual Fundraising Gala. It was also a pleasure to share the platform — and the top table — with the wonderful @MiriamOCal. She is every bit as warm, insightful and humble as she appears. I also had the pleasure of meeting @NorahCasey for the first time. Businesswoman, publisher, broadcaster and former Dragon — but above all, a remarkable woman with whom I had a fascinating conversation about some of the social issues that matter deeply to us both. The evening was, of course, about HOPE and the extraordinary work it continues to do in Kolkata. But it was also an opportunity for me to pay tribute to its founder, @MaureenForrest Twenty-seven years ago, Maureen began with just 14 girls living on the streets of Kolkata. Today, HOPE has transformed countless lives through education, healthcare, protection and opportunity. Maureen has devoted her life to one simple but powerful vision: "A world where it should never hurt to be a child." I have been fortunate to travel the world and meet many remarkable people. Some people build successful businesses. Some build great institutions. But very few people build hope. Maureen Forrest is one of those rare individuals. One reflection stayed with me after speaking to so many people throughout the evening. Perhaps success looks very different from what the world usually celebrates. Success is a child who is safe. Success is a child who is educated. Success is a child who smiles because someone cared enough to change the course of their life. A special word of appreciation also to Maura Lennon, CEO of HOPE — a leader for whom I have enormous respect. She has become a close personal friend and she is one of those rare people who continually inspires others to do more, give more, and care more. I ended my speech by thanking Maureen for reminding all of us what a life of purpose truly looks like, and for showing us that hope is not simply something we feel...It is something we do. @jeremyironsnet