Ireland’s 3rd SDG Week: Get Involved with The B!G Idea!

• Check out this year's B!G challenges

Ireland’s third SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) Week is currently in progress, running from 20-29 September. It’s all part of the wider European Sustainable Development Week (ESDW), which last year saw over 5,000 events in 28 countries. That’s a lot of action for a better world! 

What’s SDG Week All About?

SDG Week invites everyone—individuals, groups, and institutions—to join the global movement for a fairer, greener, and more inclusive world by organising events, highlighting projects, and contributing to sustainable development efforts.

Want to Get Involved?

There’s lots of ways to participate, for instance you can:

• Organise an event that aligns with one or more of the SDGs. It could be a workshop, panel discussion, clean-up drive, or community project—every effort counts!
• Promote an activity or project that you’re already involved in. Show the world how you’re contributing to a more sustainable future.
• Join an event near you! There will be plenty of activities to choose from, so why not get out and support local initiatives?
• Or easiest of all – Share The B!G Idea’s challenges on social media 

You’ll also have a wider window to make an impact, with European SDG Week running from 18 September – 8 October 2024.

How is The B!G Idea Connected to the SDGs?

At The B!G Idea, we’re really proud to align our work with the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals to make a real difference. For us, sustainability is more than just a concept; it’s how we operate. We know creative skills are key to driving the Green Transition and making a real impact on the SDGs. While our work connects with all the goals, SDG 4 (Quality Education) is where we really shine!

The challenges our students are tackling in The B!G Idea are all global challenges but they’re all linked to specific SDGs. Here’s a snapshot of a few key goals and the work that’s underway:

• Climate Action (SDG 13): Take urgent action to combat climate change.
• AI for Humanity (SDG 9): Promote inclusive, sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation.
• Tackling Poverty (SDG 1): End poverty in all its forms everywhere
• Mental Health (SDG 3): Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.
• Achieving Equality (SDG 10): Reduce inequality within and among countries.

By working with their B!G Mentors on real-world challenges, students get hands-on experience and guidance, while professionals benefit from fresh perspectives and innovative ideas from the next generation. If that’s not SDG 17 in action, what is?

Our journey’s far from over, and we’d love for you to join us as we keep weaving sustainability into everything we do.

Let’s Make 2024 the Year of Action!

SDG Week is your chance to get creative, get involved, and make an impact. No matter the size of your contribution, it’s all about taking those steps, however small, to help achieve a better, more sustainable future for everyone.

But SDG Week is just the start, we’d love for you to get more involved! Every action counts in building a more sustainable future for everyone.

Partnering with us isn’t just about supporting education, it’s a great way to link your organisation’s sustainability goals with real, measurable impact. By teaming up with The B!G Idea, you’ll help drive progress on the SDGs, support the next wave of creative thinkers, and stay ahead of the game on ESG and CSRD reporting. 

In the words of our own Head of Development and Sustainability, Niamh Cooney:

‘Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword for us at The B!G Idea—it’s a driving force behind everything we do. In 2024/ 2025, we’re committed to making even bigger strides toward embedding the SDGs into our work with young people. It’s not just about talking the talk—it’s about taking real action that leads to a better, more sustainable future. Whether you’re a student, mentor, or partner, there’s a role for you in this movement.’ 

To learn more or to have a chat, contact Niamh on niamh@thebigidea.ie

Together, we can help shape a brighter, more sustainable future for Ireland and beyond!