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SDSN Meeting strengthens cross-sector collaboration for UN 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The All-Island Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) Ireland, in partnership with the Department of Climate, Energy and Environment (DCEE), convened a pivotal in-person network meeting on 27 June 2025 at DCEE Headquarters, Beggar’s Bush, Dublin. The gathering brought together policymakers, academics, and civil society representatives to strengthen cross-sector collaboration in support of the UN 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Network Co-Chair, Professor John O’Halloran, President of University College Cork, opened the event by highlighting the importance of collaboration and mutual respect. He offered a compelling metaphor of a murmuration of starlings—thousands of birds moving in unison, each simultaneously leading and following—to illustrate the power of collective, coordinated action in advancing sustainable development.
Dr John Barimo, SDSN Ireland Manager, provided an update on recent network activities, including SDSN Ireland’s engagement with an OECD consultation on integrating the SDGs vertically and horizontally into government structures and decision-making processes. This work will contribute to the framing of Ireland’s Third National SDG Implementation Plan.
Dr Barimo also highlighted SDSN Ireland’s involvement in the All-Island Local Authority Forum on the theme “HEIs and Local Government: Partnering for Planetary Solutions.” Convened by Cooperation Ireland for the City and County Management Association and SOLACE NI, the forum brought together approximately 20 local authority chief executives from across the island. Both events underscored the growing partnership between SDSN Ireland and DCEE, with a focus on advancing SDG localisation at all levels of governance.
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For more information please contact Dr John Barimo at john.barimo@ucc.ie