Sustainable Finance Week Ireland 2024 is just around the corner! This event, taking place from November 25-29, 2024, brings together leading experts, innovators, and stakeholders committed to advancing sustainable finance practices in Ireland and beyond. We’re thrilled to share a preview of some of the topics that will be discussed during the event, along with insights from Dr. Rory Sullivan, CEO of Chronos Sustainability, on Ireland’s unique role and contributions to the global sustainable finance landscape.
What does Ireland’s role in sustainable finance mean, and how is it shaping the global financial landscape?
Ireland has long been a hub of innovation and collaboration in sustainable finance. According to Dr. Sullivan, Ireland’s approach to sustainable finance has set an example through effective partnerships between the public and private sectors. This collaboration has catalysed initiatives like:
- Catalysing Social Enterprises: Public finance plays a vital role in enabling social enterprises, helping them develop sustainable business models and secure necessary funding.
- Funding Pathways: Innovative pathways have been created to transition from public to private finance and from not-for-profit to for-profit models. These pathways are essential for scaling up sustainable initiatives and making them viable long-term.
Through these efforts, Ireland has the potential to inspire and contribute to a broader, global community of sustainable finance practitioners.
How has industry collaboration driven progress in sustainable finance, and why is it crucial for future developments?
One of the key challenges facing sustainable finance in Ireland is not just collaboration, but coordination. Dr. Sullivan highlights that the industry comprises various stakeholders, including funders, intermediaries, researchers, and regulators, all of whom play important roles. However, the lack of coordination can lead to funding “blackspots” where needs go unmet.
Coordinated Efforts: To drive real progress, it’s essential for these stakeholders to share knowledge, insights, and resources. By aligning supply and demand for capital, the industry can better address gaps and direct funding where it’s most needed.
What unique insights and key trends will be shared at Sustainable Finance Week Ireland 2024?
Dr. Sullivan will be presenting collaborative research conducted with ISFCOE, focusing on two major themes:
Impact Investment: This research will cover the funding journey of impact investment and how social enterprises can scale their positive impact. Key insights will include strategies for attracting investment and delivering meaningful outcomes at a societal level.
Social Finance with a Diversity Lens: The second theme dives into social finance with a special emphasis on diversity and inclusion. The research explores how the structure of the finance sector in Ireland influences the investment industry’s approach to gender and diversity issues.
These themes reflect the growing recognition of the importance of inclusive and impact-oriented finance in Ireland and worldwide.
