Chambers Ireland is the largest business with a geographic
reach and a membership which spans, cities and towns
throughout Ireland. With members in every geographic
region and economic sector in Ireland, we are well positioned
to represent the views of businesses and understand their
concerns. We welcome the Government’s commitments to
implement the Sustainable Development Goals in Ireland. The business community has a
major part to play in the process of climate change.

Our Vision
If Ireland is to fully implement the SDGs domestically by 2030, each represented dimension of
society must be included in the progress. We believe that Chambers Ireland, with its large
regional and national reach, is in a strong position to do so. By championing SDGs, Chambers
Ireland will ensure that making progress in achieving these goals is reflected in all the work
that we do.

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals are an ambitious set of targets that cover a range of
areas from poverty eradication, reducing inequality, economic growth, access to education
services to environmental protection. While almost all of the SDGs in various ways reflect the goals and work of the Chamber network, we have identified five Goals that we believe we can
both contribute directly towards and champion through our work in the Chamber Network.

SDG 8: Decent work and economic growth

  • Promoting Sustainable economic growth and full and productive
    employment is something that the Chambers Ireland advocates for,
    across the whole network. As Ireland verges towards full
    employment, it becomes ever so important to make sure that our
    employment is productive and provides equal pay and decent work for all seeking.
    Technological change is a major driver of innovation, increased jobs and economic growth.
    The advancement of technology in the areas of e-commerce and new digital skills have given
    Irish enterprises increased trade opportunities and entries into new emerging markets.
    However, this change has also contributed to the displacement of traditional jobs and
    industries. We believe that in order for economic growth to be sustainable, investment in lifelong training and upskilling education are needed to provide decent work. Through the
    Chamber networks involvement with Skillnet Ireland and the establishment of our Workplace
    and Skills Taskforce, we believe we are in the best position to safeguard Decent work and
    economic growth by championing SDG 8.

SDG 13: Climate action

Climate change and its associated risks have become one of the
major threats to the business community in Ireland. From
increased flooding and more intense storms, to the shift in
customer behaviour, the change in climate has profound impacts
on Irish enterprises. Although there are many risks, there are
opportunities to be seized by companies who are becoming more sustainable. This year,
Chambers Ireland has committed to leading the charge on facilitating the business transition to a low carbon economy. In light of this, we have established a Low Carbon Economy Taskforce to develop positions on how the Chamber network can contribute to climate action
and create a sustainable future for Ireland.

SDG 11: Sustainable cities and communities

In every major town and region in the country, there is a Chamber
of Commerce. Each Chamber strives to develop sustainable cities
and economically vibrant communities.
If Ireland is to become a more sustainable society, the way we
build and plan our urban environment needs a revolution. We
believe that cities and towns need a prolonged and intensive campaign to build more and
better pedestrian, cycling, and social infrastructure throughout the urban built environment
which integrates housing, transport hubs, and civic spaces (including schools and recreational
amenities). Due to the Chamber Networks widespread geographic reach, we believe that we
can represent SDG 11 in developing sustainable cities and communities across Ireland.

SDG 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Investing in infrastructure and innovation have been crucial
drivers of economic growth and development for all cities and
towns across Ireland. Across the 41 chambers, we strive to
develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure,
including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support
economic development and human well-being. By working with local authorities, relevant
stakeholders and communities our network is well positioned to advocate for Industry,
innovation and infrastructure, reflecting SDG 9.

SDG 5: Gender equality

Through our Skills and Workplace Taskforce, we seek to
advocate for sound policies and enforceable legislation that
promote gender equality and the empowerment of all women
and girls at all levels in the workplace.