Since its founding Business in the Community Ireland has helped move sustainability from the margins of business operations to the mainstream.
Business in the Community Ireland (BITCI) is marking its 25th anniversary with a major conference at Croke Park titled Lead. Innovate. Achieve: Championing Sustainability and Social Inclusion for 25 Years.
The event brings together leaders from business, government, civil society, finance and academia to reflect on BITCI’s legacy and explore future priorities for sustainability and inclusion in Ireland.
“This is an opportunity to unite business leaders around a future-focused agenda”
Since its founding in 2000, BITCI has helped move sustainability from the margins of business operations to the mainstream. Today, environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices are widely measured, reported and expected. BITCI works with more than 350 of Ireland’s largest companies, supporting their efforts to build a low-carbon, nature-positive and inclusive society.
Inspiring action
BITCI chair Pat O’Doherty said the conference is a moment to recognise progress and reaffirm commitment.
“Today’s event is a reflection of how the sustainability agenda has evolved. It celebrates bold leadership, fresh thinking and the power of collaboration to shape a more inclusive and sustainable future. BITCI put this agenda into Irish boardrooms long before it became common practice. We are proud of the role we’ve played, but there is still much more to do.”
The conference features a distinguished lineup of speakers including Ursula Burns, Founding Partner at Integrum and Chairperson of Teneo; Alcin Reidy Williamson, Chief Diversity and Culture Officer at Yahoo; Andreas Schleicher, Director of Education and Skills at the OECD; Sharon Donnery, ECB Representative to the Supervisory Board; Derek Walker, Future Generations Commissioner for Wales; and Dara Calleary, TD, Minister for Social Protection.
BITCI CEO Tomas Sercovich said the event is designed to inspire action and share best practices. “This is an opportunity to unite business leaders around a future-focused agenda. Climate change and inequality are real and urgent challenges. Prioritising ESG investment and action will make businesses more innovative, resilient and competitive. Through partnership with BITCI, we aim to scale ambition and impact for the benefit of companies, people and the planet.”
BITCI’s recent initiatives include Accelerate, The Business Pact for Climate and Nature, launched in 2024, which builds on the earlier Low Carbon Pledge signed by 69 companies. The Elevate Inclusive Workplace Pledge now has over 60 signatories representing a combined workforce of 160,000. BITCI also leads Ireland’s only third-party verified ESG standard, the Business Working Responsibly Mark.
Over the past 25 years, BITCI has supported 6,205 employment programme participants from more than 110 countries, contributing 207,065 hours of support. Seventy percent of participants have secured employment or other positive outcomes. Its education programmes have reached 100,000 students nationwide.
The conference is supported by sponsors including An Post, Bus Éireann, Coillte, Energia, ESB, Gas Networks Ireland, Heineken Ireland, Northern Trust, Sisk and SSE.
Top image: 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. Photo: Jason Clarke
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