Web Summit 2024: Paddy Cosgrave Reflects on Controversy and Return
The Web Summit, one of the largest technology conferences globally, is back in 2024 with its founder, Paddy Cosgrave, returning as CEO after a tumultuous year. His resignation in October 2023 followed backlash from his comments regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, particularly in response to the violence in Gaza. Cosgrave's statements, which criticized Western leaders and highlighted the humanitarian crisis, led to significant boycotts from major tech companies like Google and Meta, as well as venture capitalists and industry leaders.
In an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera, Cosgrave expressed that he would not change his statements if given the chance to travel back in time. He emphasized that his comments were rooted in humanitarian concerns, stating, "War crimes are war crimes even when committed by allies." His perspective has gained traction over the past year, with more individuals publicly supporting similar views on the conflict.
The 2024 summit has seen a shift in the atmosphere, with many participants expressing admiration for Al Jazeera's coverage of Palestine. Cosgrave noted that discussions around the conflict are now more prevalent among attendees, both on and off the stage. The summit also features young Palestinians from East Jerusalem, providing them a platform to share their struggles and seek opportunities for support and investment.
