Business in the Community Ireland: Leading the Sustainability and Social Inclusion agenda for 25 years.

Business in the Community Ireland: Leading the Sustainability and Social Inclusion agenda for 25 years.

Business in the Community Ireland (BITCI) is marking its 25th anniversary by hosting a major conference “Lead. Innovate. Achieve: Championing Sustainability and Social Inclusion for 25 years” today in Croke Park, Dublin. In 2000, sustainability was on the periphery of business operations and now it is mainstream, measured, reported and expected, demonstrating how BITCI’s reach and influence has grown exponentially. 

BITCI stands for a low carbon, nature positive and inclusive society where everyone thrives. This is critically about Ireland’s competitiveness, and making Ireland a great place to live, work, invest and grow a business. Today despite current geopolitical uncertainty and threats to deprioritise environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategies, BITCI works with over 350 of Ireland’s largest companies individually and collectively who are committed to becoming more sustainable and inclusive. Recent indications of this commitment include more endorsements for its Accelerate, The Business Pact for Climate and Nature, increased corporate volunteer involvement in its education and employment programmes and tangible actions being pursued by its Elevate, The Inclusive Workplace Pledge signatories to make their own workforce more inclusive.  

Pat O’Doherty, BITCI Chairperson said “Today’s event is more than a conference — it’s a reflection of how the sustainability agenda has evolved, a celebration of bold leadership, fresh thinking and a demonstration of the power of collaboration to shape a more inclusive and sustainable future. This is an agenda that BITCI put firmly into Irish boardrooms long before it became common practice.  We are proud knowing the pivotal role BITCI played in shaping and unifying business behind our common goal but so much more needs to be done and BITCI is committed to continuing to lead in this regard.” 

The event, bringing together the business community in Ireland and overseas, alongside civil society, government, finance and academia, will showcase what has been achieved over 25 years, deep dive into key sustainability and social inclusion themes of today, and inspire leaders to continue to drive change through collective action. 

The stellar line up of speakers and panellists at the conference is a testament to BITCI’s relevance and influence. The themes and discussions being explored will reinforce the importance of innovation, partnership and leadership. Values that BITCI has always demonstrated from developing Ireland’s only ESG standard – The Business Working Responsibly Mark, through pairing businesses with DEIS students and vulnerable jobseekers in raising their career outcomes to leading on collective action campaigns.  

Keynote contributors to the conference include:  

  • Ursula Burns, Founding Partner, Integrum; Chairperson, Teneo; former Chairperson and CEO, Xerox Corporation and VEON Ltd.  
  • Alcin Reidy Williamson, Chief Diversity and Culture Officer, Yahoo and President of MAKERS 
  • Andreas Schleicher, Director of Education and Skills, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) 
  • Sharon Donnery, ECB Representative to the Supervisory Board, European Central Bank  
  • Derek Walker, Future Generations Commissioner for Wales 
  • Dara Calleary, TD, Minister for Social Protection 

Tomas Sercovich, CEO, BITCI added “today’s conference is an opportunity to learn and share best practice as well as unite business leaders to be future-focused ensuring sustainability and social inclusion remains a priority. Now is not the time to ignore the realities of the climate and inequality crises – the floods, fires, racism, discrimination etc don’t care about balance sheets. But prioritising ESG investment, procedures and projects will make businesses more innovative, resilient and competitive. Through partnership with BITCI, we will continue to seek to scale their ambition and actions which will benefit the company, planet and people.”  

A sincere thanks to all our conference sponsors without whom this event would not happen: An Post, Bus Eireann, Coillte, Energia, ESB, Gas Networks Ireland, Heineken Ireland, Northern Trust, Sisk and SSE. 

ENDS 

Pictured were Tomas Sercovich, CEO, Business in the Community Ireland with Dara Calleary TD, Minister for Social Protection with Pat O’Doherty, Chairperson, Business in the Community Ireland.

Notes to Editor 

Key achievements of BITCI over past 25 years include: 

  • 60+ signatories to our Elevate, The Inclusive Workplace Pledge benefits a combined workforce of over 160,000.  
  • 69 companies signed the Low Carbon Pledge, the preceding campaign to Accelerate, The Business Pact for Climate and Nature which was launched in 2024.   
  • BITCI leads Ireland’s only 3rd party verified management system for sustainability, the Business Working Responsibly Mark. 
  • 207,065 hours of support given to 6,205 employment programme participants from over 110 countries.  
  • 70% of employment participants have secured employment or other positive outcomes. 
  • 100K students have benefited from our nationwide education programmes. 

For more information, please contact June Tinsley, Head of Communications on 086 7733221.