Ballyhoura Development is delighted to have been selected as one of 26 Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Champions for 2023-2024. 

The Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan TD, has appointed 26 organisations from across society as leaders in driving forward Ireland’s progress towards the SDGs. Speaking about the launch, Minister Ryan said:

“The SDG Champions Programme recognises that the SDGs are for everyone and that everyone can make a contribution to their success.”

What is an SDG Champion?

The role of an SDG Champion is to promote the SDGs and be a good practice example of how an organisation, communities and individuals can contribute to the SDGs.

What are the SDGs?

In September 2015, all 193 United Nations Member States adopted the 17 SDGs under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development ("Transforming our World"). This provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. The goals set targets for a range of things such as health and wellbeing, education, equality, the environment, sustainable economic growth, peace and global partnership.

Why Ballyhoura Development?

As a Local Development Company, Ballyhoura Development’s work aligns closely with, and contributes to, nearly all 17 of the SDGs. Over the coming year, Ballyhoura Development will be working to promote and increase the awareness and knowledge of the SDGs in the communities of East Limerick and North Cork.

Ballyhoura will be demonstrating the importance of the SDGs and promoting the message that the SDGs are relevant to everyone in society and that everyone has a role to play in achieving Agenda 2030.

In response to the challenges which the climate crisis presents for local communities, activities which support SDG 7; Affordable and Clean Energy are a priority area of focus for Ballyhoura Development for the coming year. Core work with disadvantaged target groups such as Travellers, unemployed young people, underemployed and unemployed adults, disabled young people and adults contributes to SDG 5; Gender Equality and 10; Reduced Inequalities.