From Vision to Action: SDSN Ireland Gathers Policymakers, Academics & Civil Society
DUBLIN, 27 June 2025 – The All-Island Sustainable Development Solutions Network Ireland, in partnership with Ireland’s Department of Climate, Energy and Environment (DCEE), convened a pivotal in-person network meeting at DCEE Headquarters at Beggar’s Bush, Dublin. This meeting brought together policymakers, academics, and civil society actors. The event aimed to amplify cross-sector collaboration in support of the UN 2030 Agenda and the SDGs.
The proceedings were called to order and moderated by Sara Lynch (QUB), who introduced the day’s theme, “Strengthening Collaboration for Sustainable Development.” SDSN Ireland recognises the urgent need for developing stronger cross-sectoral collaborations and partnerships to create effective solutions.
Network Co-Chair, President John O’Halloran (UCC), set the tone for the day with an emphasis on collaboration and mutual respect. He used the metaphor of a murmuration of starlings—where thousands of birds fly together in coordinated movement, each individual both a leader and a follower—to illustrate the power of collective effort.
SDSN Ireland Manager John Barimo provided an overview of recent network activities, including an OECD consultation on vertical and horizontal policy integration into government structures and decision-making processes. This OECD study will frame the 3rd National SDG Implementation Plan. He also spoke of the network’s participation in the All-Island Local Authority Forum, which focused on “HEIs and Local Government: Partnering for Planetary Solutions.” This event, convened by Cooperation Ireland for the City County Management Association and SOLACE NI, drew approximately 20 local authority chief executives from across the island. Both events addressed the evolving partnership between SDSN Ireland and DCEE, particularly regarding localisation of SDG implementation.
Robert Deegan, Principal Officer over the DCEE SDG Unit, delivered a keynote titled “A Vision for SDG Implementation and Collaborative Opportunities.” The SDG Unit has an all-of-government role in coordinating SDG implementation, including reporting (such as the UN Voluntary National Review) and outreach (such as the National SDG Stakeholder Fora). Rob provided more detail on the previously mentioned OECD policy coherence study and the need to mainstream existing “pockets of excellence.” He also spoke about the upcoming consultation process on the 3rd National SDG Implementation Plan, including a 9 September event at Croke Park.
The highlight of the morning session was a panel discussion focused on strategic opportunities for accelerating SDG implementation and long-term collaboration. Panellists included Johnathan Dalzell (DAERA NI), Robert Deegan, John O’Halloran, and Michael Alcorn (QUB), and the discussion was moderated by Brian O’Gallachoir. The panel explored opportunities to deepen collaboration between SDSN Ireland, DCEE, and DAERA to strengthen the island-wide response to the SDGs. A key topic was the challenge of effective knowledge transfer between researchers and policymakers, and how SDSN Ireland might help overcome this gap.
The afternoon session focused on the concept “From Ideas to Action,” specifically highlighting the network’s two existing thematic working groups. Brian O’Gallachoir and Niamh Conolly provided updates on the Research–Policy thematic group, spotlighting its pivotal role in translating academic insight into public policy. Niamh presented her preliminary findings on research cited by policy documents and identified which SDGs were impacted at each of the network’s universities. She also included an analysis of which policy bodies—such as the United Nations, European Union, and Government of Ireland—were citing this research.
Michael Alcorn and Hazel Farrell reported on progress made by the Arts and Sustainability working group, illustrating how creative practices can foster SDG awareness and innovation. This presentation emphasized the broader role of the arts and humanities in shaping new narratives and using “arts thinking” to create more holistic frameworks for addressing SDG challenges. They also highlighted student opportunities, including a creative challenge for students across Ireland to address sustainability issues—an initiative stemming from conversations between Michael and Jools Gilson (UCC). Hazel also shared the story of the Southeast Technological University’s “Sustainability and the Arts” festival, now in its third year. She spoke about the mobility of students between the SETU festival and a similar event at Queen’s University Belfast.
The session concluded with a call for participants to propose additional thematic groups, further broadening the network’s interdisciplinary scope. There appeared to be a desire to advance the Education for Sustainable Development working group and to explore a new group focused on the societal dimension of the SDGs.
Network members and government officials left with several tangible ambitions:
Enhanced recognition of SDSN Ireland’s role among DCEE and DAERA, and a shared understanding of the need to strengthen existing partnerships.
Special attention given to opportunities associated with Ireland’s upcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union (July–December 2026).
Identification of targeted policy-research collaborations, including Voluntary Local Reviews.
Increased member engagement across thematic working groups, and strengthened, more inclusive network governance structures.
The meeting reaffirmed the network’s mission: to serve as a central hub for sustainability knowledge, innovation, and action across the island of Ireland.
