Chambers Ireland SDG pledge embodies Chamber leadership on Sustainable Development, says Paris-based International Chamber of Commerce (ICC)

Chambers Ireland demonstrates the power of Chambers action with nation-wide commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Chambers Ireland has announced that all 41 of its chambers of commerce have committed to the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). From the capital region of Dublin to the port cities, like Waterford, Galway, and Cork, the Irish Chambers Pledge covers the entirety of Ireland’s chambers network.

Ireland has experienced tremendous economic growth, as evidenced by the country’s 7.8% GDP growth in 2017 – one of the highest GDP growth rates in the European Union – according to the United Nations Convention on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). In the presence of this extraordinary economic growth, the Chambers Ireland pledge confirms that local chambers and business leaders are unified in their commitment to the implementation of the SDGs.

Pauline Lowe, Policy and Research Executive for Chambers Ireland and key architect of the pledge, said:
“Chambers across Ireland are uniquely positioned to advocate for local development and sustainable communities. Out network values the necessity of driving sustainable development and advocating for economic, social, and environmental equality for all.”

Chambers Ireland’s announcement comes as representatives from the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) convene in New York for the United Nations (UN) General Assembly and Climate Action Summit. Ahead of the summit, ICC Secretary General John W.H. Denton AO, announced that more than 2,100 chambers of commerce had signed up to the Chambers Climate Coalition, an unprecedented grassroots mobilisation of local business leaders from around the world.

The Chambers Climate Coalition, which advocates for business leaders to limit the global average temperature rise to 1.5°C, has been signed by chambers from around the world, including Chambers Ireland.

On the success of the Chambers Ireland pledge, Secretary General Denton said:

“This pledge exhibits that chambers of all sizes – across all communities – are prepared to take the lead on climate action and advance sustainable development. As with the Chambers Climate Coalition, ICC will continue to support chamber-led initiatives that inspire business leaders to address our growing climate crisis.”

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