UN Global Compact to Launch Irish Network

The United Nations Global Compact, the world’s largest voluntary corporate sustainability initiative, will officially launch its Ireland Country Network this November at an exclusive event. The event will gather senior representatives from business, government, academia, and civil society to explore how the Irish corporate sector can implement ambitious changes towards a more sustainable future. This launch coincides with the introduction of new sustainability compliance regulations in Ireland aimed at encouraging meaningful and sustainable business practices.

The event will be headlined by Sanda Ojiambo, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations Global Compact, and will take place on the afternoon of 28th November 2024 at Dublin’s Exo Building. High-level representatives from prominent Irish organisations, including An Post, DAA, Smurfit Kappa, Ryanair, ICON plc, and AIB, will also be in attendance to discuss how businesses can align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Founded in 2000, the UN Global Compact calls on companies worldwide to align their operations and strategies with Ten Principles in the areas of human rights, labour, the environment, and anti-corruption. To date, over 24,000 signatories across 160 nations have committed to responsible business conduct and strategic actions that advance the SDGs. In Ireland, the focus is on accelerating corporate engagement beyond regulatory compliance towards sustainability-driven actions that deliver true value through profitability and longevity.

Nessa Whelan, United Nations Global Compact Ireland Country Manager, highlights the significance of the launch: “The official launch of the Network in Ireland marks a groundbreaking milestone towards driving positive sustainable change. New participants can expect to join like-minded organisations that will advance their business beyond mere compliance, creating lasting value and fostering profitability through sustainability.”

The launch of the Forward Faster initiative will also be announced at the event. This global platform provides businesses with clear guidance on where they can make the most significant and rapid impact towards the 2030 SDG deadline. With only 17% of the Goals currently on track, the initiative stresses the urgent need for both public and private sectors to accelerate purposeful change.

Attendance at the Network launch event is by invitation only, but requests for attendance are being considered. Like-minded business leaders interested in making a meaningful contribution to sustainability are encouraged to express their interest by contacting ireland@unglobalcompact.org.

For further information, visit unglobalcompact.org and follow UNGC Ireland on LinkedIn.