Irish cabinet minister at Sustainability Forum

 In Events

The Ireland Portugal Business Network (IBPN) will be supported by an Irish cabinet minister for the launch of its inaugural sustainability Forum in Lisbon.

The Minister of Food, Agriculture and the Marine, Michael Creed T.D., will give the opening address at the forum on Monday March 18 at the Portuguese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIP).

The theme of the event is “Starting a conversation about business opportunities” in SMART Cities and Innovation in Energy – two central areas where Ireland and Portugal share a common strategic vision.

IPBN Chairman Tony Boyle said: “It is a great tribute to the growing importance of the Ireland Portugal relationship that an Irish Cabinet Minister will visit Lisbon as part of the global St Patrick’s Day Celebrations”.

He stressed that there was a strong connection between Ireland’s green identity and Lisbon’s appointment as Green Capital of Europe 2020, making ‘sustainability’ an obvious choice for the forum.

The event will be delivered in association with Enterprise Ireland, Dense Air Portugal, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Ireland and is kindly hosted by CCIP.

“It is with great pleasure that the IPBN presents our first ‘Sustainability Forum’ in Lisbon,” said Mr Boyle.

“We are particularly delighted to welcome Minister Michael Creed T.D. to deliver the opening address. Minister Creed’s portfolio has a strong emphasis on sustainability and his presence along with that of our subject experts demonstrate the seriousness and quality of this event”, Boyle added.

In addition to hearing the latest news and ideas from thought and business leaders in these areas, attendees will have the opportunity to network with others in the field.

The agenda covers many aspects of this broad and diverse sector from decarbonisation of industries and cities through to how 5G networks will transform living in the cities of the future.

Boyle continued: “We are particularly proud to showcase three Enterprise Ireland client companies to present on their progress in working in the Portuguese market, highlighting the successful trade opportunities possible between Ireland and Portugal in the potentially enormous global sustainability market.”

A strong panel of guests includes Professor Brian Norton from the Technological University Dublin, David Cunha, Câmara Municipal de Lisboa, Tomás Moreno, Head of Transformation at EDP Inovação and Maria Rodrigues, Technical and Finance Director of Lisboa Enova and Graham Currier of Dense Air Portugal.

Boyle added: “The European Commission award of “Green Capital” pays tribute to European cities where innovative urban environmental management and initiatives have taken hold. Lisbon’s appointment to this title demonstrates how it is leading the way in setting higher standards in sustainable urban development, listening to what its citizens want and pioneering innovative solutions to environmental challenges. In this respect Lisbon provides the perfect location for the inaugural Sustainability Forum.”

Full details of the programme, speakers and where to register for the event can be found via the following link https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/inaugural-ireland-portugal-sustainability-forum-tickets-56971081037?ref=eweb

For further information or to register attendance at the Sustainability Forum please email [email protected] or call 969 196 055. For more information on the IPBN visit www.ireland-portugal.com