SDSN Ireland Launches Thematic Working Groups to Advance Sustainable Development Goals
January 2025 – Cork
At SDSN Ireland’s May 2024 Members Meeting in Dublin, a key outcome was the formation of Thematic Working Groups focused on working collaborative advancing sustainability across multiple sectors. These groups are designed to be dynamic, solutions-oriented communities that evolve in response to member interests, institutional priorities, and collaborative opportunities.
The following thematic areas emerged from the May 2024 meeting:
Arts and Sustainability (Culture)
Research-Policy Interface
Education for Sustainability
Engaged Research
Institutional Sustainability Leadership/Practice
Among these, three working groups, Arts and Sustainability, Research-Policy Interface, and Education for Sustainability gained immediate momentum. However, the SDSN Ireland Secretariat only had capacity to support two groups which had committed champions and sufficient member support. Further, Engaged Research and Institutional Sustainability Leadership/Practice are awaiting working group champions and increased capacity within the SDSN Ireland Secretariat.
Spotlight on Thematic Groups
Arts and Sustainability
This group is quickly establishing itself as a vibrant community of interest. The arts and humanities offer powerful tools for communicating the urgency and complexity of sustainability challenges. Through creative engagement, they can reframe narratives, spark imagination, and foster hope.
A recent example of this approach is Reach '24: Sustainability in the Arts Festival, held in April 2024 by Queen’s University Belfast in partnership with SDSN Ireland. The festival showcased how artistic practices can illuminate pathways for socio-ecological transformation. (Click here for more information)
Research-Policy Interface
This group aims to bridge the gap between research and policymaking in support of the Sustainable Development Goals and Paris Climate Agreement. By fostering mutual understanding and collaboration, the group seeks to strengthen the flow of scientific evidence into public policy.
Currently, the group is mapping the policy impact of research across SDSN Ireland member institutions. It is also gathering case studies and sharing experiences on how member-led research has shaped or informed SDG-related policies.
Education for Sustainability
Although temporarily paused before its launch, this group remains a key priority as an initial co-champion is currently on secondment to the HEA/National Forum. The ESD group builds on a strong foundation of all-island and international partnerships, aiming to scale successful initiatives while developing innovative approaches to sustainability education. The group will focus on increasing the reach and impact of teaching and learning for sustainable development once reactivated.
These thematic working groups represent a significant step in SDSN Ireland’s mission to foster cross-sectoral collaboration and accelerate progress toward the SDGs. As they continue to grow, they will serve as flexible, inclusive spaces for experimentation, innovation, and action.
