Monday, 15 December 2025
The B!G Idea, a multi-award-winning Irish non-profit organisation, has been officially designated a United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Champion for the 2025–2027 term by Darragh O’Brien, Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, on behalf of the Government of Ireland.
This prestigious national recognition highlights The B!G Idea’s leadership in empowering young people across Ireland to tackle local and global challenges through creative problem-solving, education, and industry mentorship, all aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
The announcement places The B!G Idea among a select group of Irish organisations recognised for meaningfully embedding the UN SDGs into their strategy, evaluation, and public storytelling.
Announcing the appointments, Minister O’Brien said:
“The world faces huge challenges in achieving the SDGs, with only 18% of the goals currently on track globally. As we mark the 70th anniversary of Ireland’s membership of the United Nations, we remain committed to the ambition of Agenda 2030 — a roadmap for a fairer, safer, more prosperous and sustainable world.
Over 90 organisations applied to the SDG Champions Programme this year, reflecting the strong commitment across Irish society. Partnerships play a crucial role, and it is inspiring to see such a diverse group of organisations working collectively towards a better future.”
The B!G Idea delivers free, inclusive, in-class programmes that equip young people with the creative confidence and future-ready skills they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Through a bespoke EdTech platform, students collaborate with cross-sector industry mentors to develop real-world solutions to challenges that matter to them — all aligned with the SDGs.
An outstanding example of impact came from students at Roscrea Education Centre, who were crowned overall winners at The B!G Idea 2025 Showcase with their project “FutureWork AI.”
The student-designed app concept directly addresses:
SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure
SDG 8 – Decent Work & Economic Growth
The project helps young people understand how AI may impact future careers, identify emerging skills, and access tailored learning and support resources.
Since 2021, The B!G Idea has reached over 16,500 young people nationwide, building one of Ireland’s most diverse and inclusive future talent pipelines.
Commenting on the announcement, Niamh Cooney, Head of Development & Sustainability at The B!G Idea, said:
“Being named an SDG Champion reflects what we’ve been building since day one — empowering young people with the skills, confidence and industry connections to tackle the challenges shaping their lives.
At The B!G Idea, the SDGs aren’t abstract goals. They are the lens through which students explore issues they care about, supported by mentors who help turn ideas into action. We are proud to contribute as a national example of what’s possible when education, industry and young people work together.”
Rebecca Robinson, Entrepreneurship Researcher at Munster Technological University and a former B!G Mentor, added:
“Introducing young people to the SDGs helps them understand the challenges they will face in the future. It’s incredibly rewarding to guide their ideas, offer feedback, and learn from them in return.”
The B!G Idea – Partners and Friends SSE Airtricity, The Dormant Accounts Fund, Department of Education, MSD, Autodesk, Pobal, The Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland, Rethink Ireland, Social Enterprise Republic of Ireland, EPAM Systems, Deloitte, Social Entrepreneurs Ireland, Ireland National Disability Authority, Johnson Controls, Microsoft, Munster Technological University, Johnston Shopfitters, Dolmen, PA Consulting, UNUM Ireland, Deloitte, Each&Other, BITA and the Children’s Rights Alliance.
The B!G Idea’s work directly contributes to:
SDG 4 – Quality Education
Expanding equitable access to creative, skills-based education across Ireland.
SDG 8 & 9 – Decent Work, Innovation & Infrastructure
Supporting transversal skills development through deep industry collaboration.
SDG 10 & 11 – Reduced Inequalities & Sustainable Communities
Empowering young people facing disadvantage through inclusive programme design.
SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
Working with 60+ corporate and third-level partners since 2021.
Established in 2019, the SDG Champions Programme was created to raise public awareness of the SDGs and demonstrate how organisations across society can actively contribute to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
SDG Champions act as advocates, role models, and examples of best practice in embedding the SDGs into organisational strategy and operations. The programme supports Strategic Objective 3 of Ireland’s Second SDG National Implementation Plan (2022–2024): Greater Partnerships for the Goals.
The call for applications for the 2025–2027 SDG Champions Programme was opened by Minister O’Brien in June 2025.
For more information about The B!G Idea or to explore partnership opportunities, contact:
Niamh Cooney
Head of Development & Sustainability, The B!G Idea
📧 niamh@thebigidea.ie
