Highlights from the Skillnet Climate Ready Academy Sustainability Summit

Pictured (L-R) Ken Finnegan, Chief Strategy Officer at Skillnet Ireland, Philip Boucher Hayes, RTE Broadcaster and Journalist, Maria Kelly, Director Skillnet Climate Ready Academy, Ken Stockil, CEO 20FIFTY Partners, Eoin McDonnell, Head of Strategic Programmes, Skillnet Ireland.

The Richmond Education and Event Centre in Dublin bustled with energy on December 3rd as leaders, innovators, and sustainability advocates gathered for the Skillnet Climate Ready Academy Sustainability Summit. This CPD-accredited event served as a vital forum for Irish businesses looking to navigate the complexities of the green transition and build long-term resilience in an ever-changing global landscape.

The proceedings were expertly guided by Maria Kelly, Director of the Skillnet Climate Ready Academy, who served as the day’s Master of Ceremonies. The Summit’s theme of “Building Resilience to Futureproof Your Business,” offered a blend of high-level strategic insight and practical, peer-led success stories.

Insights from the Frontlines of Change

The morning kicked off with a powerful opening address from Ken Finnegan, Chief Strategy Officer at Skillnet Ireland, who underscored the critical link between talent and climate action.

“Events like today are really important to bring attention to the climate and sustainability challenges that we see in the world today,” noted Finnegan. “Especially from a national perspective for Irish companies to understand what those opportunities and challenges are and how they can take practical steps to solve those challenges.”

Renowned broadcaster and journalist Philip Boucher Hayes delivered a compelling first keynote, focusing on the “twin climate crises” – the biodiversity emergency and global warming. He explored the nuances of how Irish businesses are currently responding to these challenges, urging a move from passive observation to active, strategic engagement.

Later in the morning, Adrian Weckler, Technology Editor for the Irish Independent, sparked a fascinating discussion on the intersection of tech and the environment, specifically how AI and digital tools are becoming indispensable in measuring and achieving ESG goals.

From Theory to Practice: The Alumni Perspective

One of the most impactful segments of the day was the panel discussion: ‘Taking Action on Sustainability,’ facilitated by Patrick Meskell, Sustainability Owner, Skillnet Climate

Ready Academy. The panel featured graduates from the Academy’s various programmes who are now implementing change within their respective sectors.

Ken Stockil, CEO of 20FIFTY Partners, highlighted the tangible business outcomes observed through these educational pathways:

“What we’re seeing across the companies that undertake sustainability programmes is that they’re building that climate resilience into their business models so that their businesses can operate into the future and be competitive and resilient in that future economy.”

Celebrating Success: The Graduation Ceremony

The highlight of the afternoon was the Graduation Ceremony, a proud moment celebrating the latest cohort of professionals to complete the Academy’s online sustainability training programmes. These graduates, representing a diverse range of industries received their certifications on the day.

As noted during the event, participants exit this programme not just with knowledge, but with an Action Plan, featuring specific and measurable actions that can be immediately implemented within their business operations.

Networking and Knowledge Sharing

While much of the Academy’s training is delivered online, the Summit served as a vital physical touchpoint for the community. As Kirsti O Kelly, Skillnet Climate Ready Academy Scheme Manager highlighted, it was an essential opportunity to “bring stakeholders and learners together for networking and to just realise that we are all here and that’s the way forward.”

Looking Ahead

As the summit concluded, the message was clear: resilience is built through continuous learning and collaboration. The Skillnet Climate Ready Academy remains committed to supporting the Irish private sector with fully funded and subsidised training designed to meet the unique challenges of the low-carbon economy.

Are you ready to futureproof your business?

Explore our range of live online training programmes, from Biodiversity to Sustainability, and join the growing community of Irish businesses leading the way to a more sustainable future.

Visit our Programmes Page to learn more.

Watch the event highlights video below: