IN-PERSON: Strengthening Institutions for Sustainable Competitiveness
A Business Perspective on SDG 16 and the 2030 Agenda during Ireland's EU Presidency
The Sustainable Cork Programme (SCP) is designed to set a vision for a more sustainable and resilient Cork, empowered by a thriving business community.
Join us for our in-person Sustainable Cork Programme 2026 event during European Sustainable Development Week where we will explore how strong institutions form the foundation of a competitive, sustainable economy. As Ireland has taken on the Presidency of the Council of the European Union under the core themes of competitiveness, values and security, this event places those priorities in a business context, by examining Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) and its direct relevance for Irish businesses.
The event will open with a keynote address from Commissioner Michael McGrath, followed by a panel discussion bringing a business perspective on SDG 16, exploring European values, strong institutions, economic security and sustainable governance.
This event has been recognised as an official Associated Event of Ireland's EU Presidency 2026.
Why you should attend:
Keynote address:
Commissioner Michael McGrath, European Commission
The Sustainable Cork Programme (SCP) is designed to set a vision for a more sustainable and resilient Cork, empowered by a thriving business community.
Join us for our in-person Sustainable Cork Programme 2026 event during European Sustainable Development Week where we will explore how strong institutions form the foundation of a competitive, sustainable economy. As Ireland has taken on the Presidency of the Council of the European Union under the core themes of competitiveness, values and security, this event places those priorities in a business context, by examining Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) and its direct relevance for Irish businesses.
The event will open with a keynote address from Commissioner Michael McGrath, followed by a panel discussion bringing a business perspective on SDG 16, exploring European values, strong institutions, economic security and sustainable governance.
This event has been recognised as an official Associated Event of Ireland's EU Presidency 2026.
Why you should attend:
- Hear directly from European Commissioner Michael McGrath on his portfolio and how SDG 16 links to business confidence and competitiveness.
- Gain practical perspective on how strong institutions, good leadership and sustainability intersect with today's geopolitical landscape to shape competitiveness, resilience and long-term enterprise growth.
- Connect with like-minded professionals at the heart of sustainability in Cork's business community.
- Gain practical perspective on how strong institutions, good leadership and sustainability intersect with today's geopolitical landscape to shape competitiveness, resilience and long-term enterprise growth.
- Connect with like-minded professionals at the heart of sustainability in Cork's business community.
Keynote address:
Commissioner Michael McGrath, European Commission
Michael McGrath assumed the role of European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection on 1 December 2024, as a member of the European Commission led by President Ursula von der Leyen. Commissioner McGrath has specific responsibility for upholding the rule of law, protecting democracy and fundamental rights, strengthening consumer protection, improving criminal justice cooperation, and contributing to the EU?s broader competitiveness.
Commissioner McGrath previously served as Ireland's Minister for Finance from 2022 to 2024, as Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform from 2020 to 2022, and was an elected member of the Irish Parliament from 2007 to 2024. Commissioner McGrath holds a Bachelor of Commerce from University College Cork and is a qualified Chartered Accountant.
Speakers:
Prof. Andrew Cottey, Professor and EU Jean Monnet Chair, Department of Government and Politics, University College Cork
Prof. Andrew Cottey is a leading expert on European security, including NATO and EU foreign policy. The third edition of his book Security in 21st Century Europe was published by Bloomsbury Academic in May 2025. His work has been published in leading journals such as International Affairs, Journal of Common Market Studies, British Journal of Politics and International Relations, Contemporary Security Policy, European Security, European Foreign Affairs Review and Journal of Strategic Studies. Prof. Cottey has been a NATO Research Fellow, a Research Associate at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), a Visiting Researcher at the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) and Chair of the Royal Irish Academy (RIA) Standing Committee on International Affairs.
Prof. Mary Murphy, Professor, Department of Sociology, Maynooth University
Prof. Andrew Cottey, Professor and EU Jean Monnet Chair, Department of Government and Politics, University College Cork
Prof. Andrew Cottey is a leading expert on European security, including NATO and EU foreign policy. The third edition of his book Security in 21st Century Europe was published by Bloomsbury Academic in May 2025. His work has been published in leading journals such as International Affairs, Journal of Common Market Studies, British Journal of Politics and International Relations, Contemporary Security Policy, European Security, European Foreign Affairs Review and Journal of Strategic Studies. Prof. Cottey has been a NATO Research Fellow, a Research Associate at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), a Visiting Researcher at the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) and Chair of the Royal Irish Academy (RIA) Standing Committee on International Affairs.
Prof. Mary Murphy, Professor, Department of Sociology, Maynooth University
Prof. Mary Murphy research interests span ecosocial welfare, gender, care and social security, and power and civil society. She has published widely in leading journals and co-edited several books on welfare and public policy. Her book Creating an Ecosocial Future was published by Policy Press in May 2023. For over four decades, Prof. Murphy has campaigned for social justice and gender equality. She is Chair of Oxfam Ireland, was appointed to the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (2013–2017), and served on the Council of State in Ireland (2018–2025). She was lead author of the SGI Ireland Report 2024.
Marian Curry, Head of Business Engagement, Business in the Community Ireland (BITCI)
Marian Curry is the Head of Business Engagement at Business in the Community Ireland (BITCI) where she works with organisations to embed sustainability and social inclusion into their business outcomes. Marian sits on BITCI’s Leaders’ Group on Sustainability, working with CEOs of Ireland’s most progressive organisations to share, challenge and influence the uptake of responsible business practices in Ireland and collaborate on collective solutions. BITCI engages with multiple stakeholders including policy makers and government to create the enabling environment for a decarbonised economy and inclusive thriving society. BITCI is the Irish Global Network Partner of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) and a member of CSR Europe.
Órla Burke, Sustainability Manager for Engineering & Major Projects, ESB
Órla Burke leads the integration of sustainability across the delivery of critical energy infrastructure. She works at the intersection of strategy and project delivery, supporting teams to embed environmental and social considerations into decision-making. Her work focuses on translating sustainability ambition into tangible, measurable outcomes that support responsible business practices, strong governance, and Ireland’s transition to a low-carbon, resilient energy system. Órla is an Electrical Engineer and a Fellow of Engineers Ireland with extensive international experience.
Marian Curry is the Head of Business Engagement at Business in the Community Ireland (BITCI) where she works with organisations to embed sustainability and social inclusion into their business outcomes. Marian sits on BITCI’s Leaders’ Group on Sustainability, working with CEOs of Ireland’s most progressive organisations to share, challenge and influence the uptake of responsible business practices in Ireland and collaborate on collective solutions. BITCI engages with multiple stakeholders including policy makers and government to create the enabling environment for a decarbonised economy and inclusive thriving society. BITCI is the Irish Global Network Partner of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) and a member of CSR Europe.
Órla Burke, Sustainability Manager for Engineering & Major Projects, ESB
Cathal McSweeney, Director of Public and International Affairs, Cork Chamber
Cathal McSweeney is Director of Public and International Affairs at Cork Chamber. Prior to this, he held roles with Skillnet Ireland in Dublin, as well as with the UK Cabinet Office, the Department of Energy and Climate Change, and Energy UK during his time in London. At Cork Chamber, Cathal leads engagement on sustainability and public affairs initiatives, with responsibility for the Sustainability Committee, the Cork Renewables Industry Forum, the Sustainable Cork Programme and Cork Chamber's role as a government designated Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Ambassador. He holds a BSc in Government and a MBS in International Public Policy and Diplomacy, both from University College Cork.
Dr Alicia Mateos-Cárdenas, REEValue & Sustainability Lead, Cork Chamber
Alicia leads the EU LIFE-funded energy project REEValue, working with Irish and European partners to advance energy efficiency and renewable energy across value chains. She also serves as a central, cross-functional lead for all Chamber sustainability activities, working closely with the senior management team and the Sustainability Committee. Alicia holds a PhD in Environmental Science and was recognised by The Irish Times as one of the "50 People to Watch in 2026" in the Sustainability category.
As proud SDG Ambassadors, designated by the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, Cork Chamber continues to embed the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across all our activities and initiatives.
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The Sustainable Cork Programme is in association with Cork Chamber Skillnet, ESB Generation & Trading and SE Systems.
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The Sustainable Cork Programme is rooted in the Chamber's commitment to the UN SDGs and the vision for Cork and is designed to set a vision for a more sustainable and resilient Cork, empowered by a thriving business community.
Date and Time
Friday Sep 18, 2026
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM IST
Location
The Metropole
