The event brought together industry and academic thought leaders to discuss how businesses can take effective leadership in facing challenges of talent engagement, sustainability and ESG in the West of Ireland. Using business cases and panel conversations, the event provided participants with research-informed and practical insights to help them address current and future business challenges. 

The summit recognised the critical role of individuals, communities and organisations in guiding businesses towards a more sustainable future, considering both environmental and social factors. Listen to video below to learn how key businesses and academia are integrating sustainability into their core strategies and operations. Another significant aspect of the summit was the launch of J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics’ new MSc Sustainability Leadership programme by Minister Hildegarde Naughton, Government Chief Whip and Minister of State at the Department of Health. Present also was University of Galway’s President, Prof Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh and Jenny Melia, Executive Director with responsibility for Regions & Local Enterprise, Food & Sustainability and Industrial, Life Sciences & Construction; Enterprise Ireland. 

New to Galway, the on-campus summit served as a catalyst for ongoing conversations and partnerships, accelerating the transition towards a more sustainable and inclusive future. Prof Alma McCarthy, Dean of J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics notes, “We are delighted with the success of the summit and the engagement we have seen from local industries. We believe that collaboration between the university and local businesses is key to driving innovation and economic growth, and we look forward to building on the momentum generated by this event.” 

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1. Image Title: Keynote1:  Professor Alma McCarthy, Dean of J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics, University of Galway; Professor Geraint Howells, Executive Dean, College of  Business, Public Policy and Law, University of Galway; Minister Hildegarde Naughton, Chief Whip and Minister of State at the Department of Health; Jenny Melia, Executive Director with responsibility for Regions & Local Enterprise, Food & Sustainability and Industrial, Life Sciences & Construction, Enterprise Ireland; Eileen Mannion, Leas-Cathaoirleach, Galway County Council; Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, President, University of Galway; Dr. Majella Giblin, Associate Head of External Engagement and Alumni Relations, J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics 

1. Image Title: BusinessVignettePanel:  Professor Jonathan Levie, Professor of Entrepreneurship & Regional Development; J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics, University of Galway; Sharon Walsh, Senior Vice President Head of Strategy, Planning and Agile Enablement Fidelity Investments, and Vice Chair ITAG; Dr. Majella Giblin, Associate Head for External Engagement and Alumni Relations, J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics, University of Galway; Dr Maeve O Sullivan, Assistant Professor of HRM, J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics, University of Galway; Ruairí Conroy, Galway Site Lead & VP of Sales Development, Diligent. 

1. Image Title: Talent Panel2:  Marie Laffey, Head of Career Development Centre, University of Galway; David Bermingham, Director IBM and Chair ITAG; Sai Gujulla, President Student’s Union, University of Galway; Siobhan King, Client Services Officer, Fáilte Ireland; Emer Hannon, Human Capital Consulting Graduate, Deloitte; Claire McGee, Head of Education and Innovation Policy, Ibec  

1. Image title: ESG Panel:  Kenny Deery, CEO, Galway Chamber, Dr. Sinéad Mitchell, Assistant Professor in Sustainability and Strategy, J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics, Cormac Mac Donncha, Operations Director, Thermo King; Dr. Majella Giblin, Associate Head of External Engagement and Alumni Relations, J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics; Javier Santoyo, Director, Nulla Carbon; Dr Orla Lenihan, Assistant Professor in Governance, Sustainability and Finance J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics; Conor O’Dowd, CEO, The Port of Galway; Fiona Gaskin, Partner in PwC and ESG Leader for Assurance and Reporting