United Nations Global Compact to Launch Irish Network

The United Nations Global Compact, the world’s largest voluntary corporate sustainability initiative, will officially launch its Ireland network this November at an exclusive event for senior representatives from business, government, academia, and civil society. The launch aligns with new sustainability compliance regulations in Ireland, aimed at accelerating meaningful and sustainable business actions.

The network will be officially launched by Sanda Ojiambo, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations Global Compact, on the afternoon of 28th November at Dublin’s Exo Building. High-level representatives from organisations across the Irish corporate sector will gather to explore how ambitious change can be implemented for a more sustainable future in Ireland.

Founded in 2000, the Global Compact Network aims to accelerate and scale the impact of businesses by upholding ten key principles covering human rights, labour, environment, and anti-corruption. To date, 20,000 members across 160 nations have committed to these universal principles, grounded in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, conducting business responsibly, and taking strategic actions through collaboration and innovation.

Ireland needs forward-thinking leaders from the private sector committed to prioritising sustainability, says Nessa Whelan, United Nations Global Compact Ireland Country Manager to ensure a future where the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals are achieved.

“The official launch of the network in Ireland marks a groundbreaking milestone towards driving positive sustainable change. New members can expect to join like-minded organisations that will advance their business beyond mere regulatory compliance, towards sustainable actions that add true value through longevity and profitability.”

The UNGC launch coincides with the introduction of the Forward Faster initiative in the Irish market—a strategy urging expedited action by Irish businesses to meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by the 2030 deadline. With only 15% of the goals currently on track, accelerated and purposeful change from the public and private sectors is essential.

With national and international keynote speakers, the event will lead and inspire conversations around some of the most pressing Forward Faster themes for Irish businesses, such as gender equality, living wage, climate action, and water resilience.

“We encourage Irish businesses interested in joining an initiative focused on actionable sustainable change to be a part of this thriving community,” says Nessa Whelan.

Upon launch, new registrants of the Global Compact will join existing Irish members accelerating their impact, including An Post, DAA, Smurfit Kappa, Ryanair, ICON plc, and AIB.

The Network launch event is by invitation only, but requests for attendance are being considered. UNGC Ireland invites like-minded business leaders to express their interest by contacting [email protected].

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