Simon Harris, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, has unveiled the International Sustainable Finance Centre of Excellence.
The centre’s aim will be to deliver the skills necessary for the financial services community in Ireland to finance a net-zero future.
It is planned the centre will be fully operational by mid-January 2023.
Alongside Skillnet Ireland, some of the firms that are supporting the work of centre include AIB, Bank of Ireland, Deloitte, Eirgrid, FD, Goodbody, IDA Ireland, Irish Life Investment Managers, KPMG, Maples Group, Mazars, PTSB, PwC and TD Securities.
The soft launch coincides with the opening day of Climate Finance Week Ireland.
In Association with
The centre has been developed by Sustainable Finance Ireland in partnership with Skillnet Ireland, and in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme, the Department of Finance and international partners.
The centre’s objective will be to lead on research, talent development and leadership activities to support the design and implementation of financial mechanisms to facilitate the transition to a net zero economy in Ireland and internationally.
The government policy document ‘Ireland for Finance Strategy 2025’ which aims to position Ireland as a global centre of sustainable finance by 2025.
“This centre of excellence will help the planet, but it is essential to the future proofing of the economy,” said Harris.
“The collaboration that has developed the centre is key. Those partnerships will support the sector’s future talent development needs and inspire new people to enter this relatively new area of work.”
Finance minister Paschal Donohoe added: “The reorientation of the financial system towards sustainability has a clear trajectory with real opportunities for countries, companies and communities that show leadership.
"The moment is right for leading financial centres to take a quantum leap to transition in this direction.
“Today’s launch of the International Sustainable Finance Centre of Excellence is a touchstone of the progress being made here in Ireland on this agenda.”
Paul Healy, chief executive, said Skillnet Ireland is committed to delivering initiatives that support industries to adopt sustainable practices.
Photo (l-r): Stephen Nolan, UN Environmental Network of Financial Centres for Sustainability; Paul Healy; Simon Harris; Colin Hunt, CEO of AIB; and Tracey Donnery of Skillnet Ireland. (Pic: Julien Behal)
