Guaranteed Irish are proud to announce that they have been selected as Ireland’s SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) Champion for the 2025–2027 cycle, appointed by the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O’Brien, TD.
“The world faces huge challenges in achieving the SDGs, with only 18% of the goals currently on track globally. However, this year, as we mark the 70th anniversary of Ireland’s membership of the United Nations, we are committed to achieving the vision and ambition of Agenda 2030, a roadmap for a fairer, safer, more prosperous, and sustainable world. In fulfilling the ambition of the SDGs, we have made considerable progress, but more is needed, and faster, from all stakeholders – locally, nationally and internationally.
Over 90 organisations applied to take part in the Programme this year, demonstrating the continued commitment of Irish society to help achieve and promote the SDGs. Partnerships play a crucial role, and it is great to have such a diverse range of organisations working collectively towards a better future for everyone. The SDG Champions Programme recognises that everyone has a role to play, and everyone can contribute to achieving the SDGs.” Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O’Brien, TD.
The SDG Champions Programme is an Irish Government initiative that recognises organisations demonstrating leadership in advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals and embedding them meaningfully into their operations, culture, and external engagement. Guaranteed Irish joins a cohort of organisations committed to driving practical, measurable progress towards a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient Ireland.
Guaranteed Irish represents over 2,500 businesses across all sectors, collectively employing more than 120,000 people nationwide. For over 51 years, the Guaranteed Irish symbol has been recognised as a mark of trust—supporting businesses that contribute positively to Ireland’s economy and communities.
Since 2022, sustainability and the SDGs have been formally embedded within their organisational strategy. While they place particular focus on SDGs 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and 13 (Climate Action), their diverse membership and initiatives also contribute across a wider range of Goals, including SDGs 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing), 5 (Gender Equality), 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), and 15 (Life on Land).
Their selection as an SDG Champion reflects a practical, structured approach to engaging businesses with the SDGs—not as a reporting exercise, but as a tool for action.
This includes:
“This recognition is a testament to the commitment of our team and our members to embedding sustainability into how business is done in Ireland. Becoming an SDG Champion strengthens our mandate to lead, convene, and support businesses in turning ambition into action—while holding ourselves accountable to the same standards we promote.” Clémence Jamet, Head of Sustainability, Guaranteed Irish
As an SDG Champion, Guaranteed Irish will continue to use its national platform to raise awareness of the Goals, support businesses at different stages of their sustainability journey, and contribute to collective action across Ireland’s business community.
Guaranteed Irish, Supporting Business that Supports Ireland.
More sustainability tools, guidance, and case studies are available on the Guaranteed Irish Sustainability Hub.
Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O’Brien, TD, with representatives of the SDG Champions 2025–2027 organisations.
Established in 2019, the SDG Champions Programme was developed to raise public awareness of the SDGs and to demonstrate, through the examples provided by the SDG Champions, that everyone in society can make a contribution to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The role of an SDG Champion is to act as an advocate and promoter of the SDGs and as a good practice example of how an organisation can contribute to the SDGs and integrate the SDGs into their work and activities.
Strategic Objective 3 of Ireland's Second SDG National Implementation Plan 2022-2024 (NIP) is 'Greater partnerships for the Goals'; the SDG Champions Programme is a key mechanism towards achieving this. Action 35 and related measures of the NIP relate to the SDG Champions Programme and its relaunch last year.
The key message of the Champions Programme is that the SDGs are for everyone in society and that everyone can make a contribution to their success.
Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O'Brien opened the call for applications to the 2025 – 2027 SDG Champions Programme in June 2025.