PRESS RELEASE. 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 2025–2027 by the Government of Ireland. Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O’Brien TD, confirmed the appointment, recognising The B!G Idea’s leadership in embedding the UN SDGs into education, innovation, and youth empowerment across Ireland.
This designation places The B!G Idea among a select group of Irish organisations that actively integrate the UN Sustainable Development Goals into their strategy, impact measurement, and public engagement. The SDG Champions Programme celebrates organisations that demonstrate visible leadership and measurable action in advancing Agenda 2030 — the global roadmap for a fairer, safer, and more sustainable world. At a time when global progress on the SDGs remains under pressure, this recognition signals Ireland’s commitment to partnership-driven solutions.
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.
Over 90 organisations applied to the Programme this year, demonstrating the strong commitment across Irish society. Partnerships play a crucial role, and the SDG Champions Programme recognises that everyone has a role to play in achieving the SDGs.”
Since launching in 2021, The B!G Idea has delivered free, inclusive classroom programmes that equip young people with creative confidence and future-ready skills. Using a bespoke EdTech platform, students collaborate directly with cross-sector industry mentors to design practical solutions to real-world challenges. Importantly, students choose the themes themselves. As a result, they engage deeply with issues that genuinely affect their lives and communities. Every student project aligns directly with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Student-led themes include:
Through this structure, students connect global policy frameworks with local lived experience.
At The B!G Idea 2025 Showcase, a team from Roscrea Education Centre won the overall award for FutureWork AI, an app concept that helps young people understand how artificial intelligence may shape future careers.
The project supports:
Notably, the students demonstrated how young people can actively contribute to responsible technological development.
Since 2021, The B!G Idea has engaged more than 16,500 young people across Ireland. Through strong partnerships with schools, educators, corporate mentors, and higher-education institutions, the organisation now supports one of Ireland’s most diverse and inclusive future talent pipelines.
Niamh Cooney, Head of Development & Sustainability at The B!G Idea, commented:
“Being named an SDG Champion reflects what we’ve been building since day one — empowering young people with the confidence, skills and industry connections to tackle the real challenges shaping their lives.
At The B!G Idea, the SDGs are not abstract goals. Instead, they provide 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 B!G Mentor, added:
“Introducing young people to the SDGs helps them understand the challenges they will face in the future. It’s incredibly valuable to guide their ideas, provide feedback, and learn from them in return.”
The B!G Idea directly contributes to:
The B!G Idea works in partnership with 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, National Disability Authority, Johnson Controls, Microsoft, Munster Technological University, Johnston Shopfitters, Dolmen, PA Consulting, UNUM Ireland, Each&Other, BITA, and the Children’s Rights Alliance.
Established in 2019, the SDG Champions Programme raises public awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals and demonstrates how organisations can contribute meaningfully to the 2030 Agenda. The programme supports Strategic Objective 3 of Ireland’s Second SDG National Implementation Plan (2022–2024): Greater Partnerships for the Goals.
For further information, please contact:
Niamh Cooney
Head of Development & Sustainability, The B!G Idea
📞 087 221 2435, niamh@thebigidea.ie
View student projects: exhibition.thebigidea.ie
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