IOB announced as a Sustainable Development Goal Champion for 2024-2025

The Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan TD, has appointed IOB as one of 20 organisations in Ireland as leaders in driving progress towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Established in 2019, The SDG Champions Programme was developed to raise public awareness of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and to demonstrate, through the examples provided by SDG Champions, that everyone in society can make a contribution to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Speaking about the launch, Minister Ryan said:

“The world is currently off track to achieve the SDGs and accelerated action is needed. However, in this decade of action for the SDGs, Ireland is determined to play a leading role in delivering on the goals – locally, nationally and internationally.”

“Over 90 organisations applied to take part in the programme this year, demonstrating the growing commitment of Irish society to live up to and promote the goals which have at their heart equality, access to basic right like clean water, clean energy, food and shelter for all, and climate justice. It is great to see such a variety of commercial organisations, academic institutions, those working with young people, and environmental organisations joining the SDG collective this year. It’s like looking at a cross section of Irish society, all with a common aim to make our collective future better.”

“Sometimes, international goals can seem daunting or removed from our everyday experiences. However, international goals come down to improving people’s lives and outcomes locally. The SDG Champions through their work help show that the SDGs belong to everyone, in every community, in every country across the world and that everyone can play a role.”

Mary O’Dea, Chief Executive of IOB, said: “We are proud to be selected as an SDG Champion for 2024-2025. The financial services sector is playing a critical role in supporting Ireland’s journey to a low-carbon economy by driving significant investment in green projects. As champions, we will support our 33,200 members working across financial services to gain the skills and expertise required to accelerate the green transformation. We will continue to grow our education supports and resources to enable and empower our members to become sustainable finance leaders.”

In 2023, IOB we launched a comprehensive sustainability strategy which is designed around the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The IOB Sustainability Strategy 2023-2026 outlines how IOB’s work and strategic commitments support 10 SDGs.