EU Presidency Event at UCC explores SDGs and Global Challenges

15 Sep 2026

University College Cork hosted a major EU Presidency associated event on Monday, examining the increasingly complex connections between climate change, migration, forced displacement, human rights, security and sustainable development.

‘Climate, Migration, Refugees and the SDGs: Leaving No One Behind’ brought together policymakers, researchers, humanitarian organisations, civil society and migrant communities to explore how climate change is reshaping human mobility and displacement, and how governments and international institutions can respond while protecting human rights and dignity.

The event took place at a critical moment for international cooperation, as the world confronts the growing impacts of climate change and approaches the final years of the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The event also explored the implications for Ireland and the European Union, including the need for greater coordination across climate, migration, humanitarian, development and security policy.

Minister of State for International Development and the Diaspora, Neale Richmond T.D, who provided the opening remarks at the event, stated:

"Climate change, migration and displacement are among the defining challenges of our time. Climate change is increasingly exacerbating many of the crises around the world, from mass irregular migration, to conflict, famine, and the spread of disease. The causes and consequences of these challenges increasingly overlap, and if we are serious about leaving no one behind, there needs to be a global response based on solidarity and positive impacts for the most vulnerable communities."

Ambassador David Donoghue, former Permanent Representative of Ireland to the United Nations and a Co-Facilitator of the negotiations that led to the adoption of the UN 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provided a keynote address.

A panel moderated by Prof. Áine Ryall, UCC School of Law included Jim Clarken, Chief Executive of Oxfam Ireland, Seán Farrell, Chief Executive of Trócaire, Dr Naomi Masheti, Director of Cork Migrant Centre, and Prof. Maggie O’Neill, UCC Sociology and Criminology.

A joined-up response to interconnected challenges

The event was organised by the U.N. Sustainable Development Solutions Network Ireland (SDSN Ireland), an all-island network of universities and knowledge-generating institutions working collaboratively to accelerate progress towards the SDGs. SDSN Ireland is co-hosted by UCC and Queen’s University Belfast.  

President of University College Cork and Co-Chair of SDSN Ireland, Professor John O’Halloran, said:

“Universities have an important role to play in bringing evidence, expertise and different perspectives together. But we cannot address these challenges alone. We need governments, civil society, communities and international partners working together to develop solutions that are both practical and grounded in human dignity.”

This event was held in partnership with the UNIC European University Alliance and UCC Collective Social Futures Institute.