Sustainable business webinars series kick off
A new series of webinars kicked off last Friday discussing the topic of social inclusion and youth unemployment.
Ireland has a youth unemployment rate of 56 per cent currently so it was apt topic to kick off the 2021 Sustainable Cork Programme webinar series launched by Cork Chamber.
The six-part series builds on the ongoing work of the Sustainable Cork Programme and will host an array of speakers offering the latest insights and perspectives with the discussion deeply rooted in sustainability and resilience building across economic, environmental and social pillars. The Sustainable Cork Programme webinar series will host an array of speakers offering the latest insights and perspectives.
Paula Cogan, Cork Chamber President commented: “For the first webinar and as the series is all about shining a light on a diverse range of topics and expanding on thematic areas within the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we opened up the conversation on social inclusion and youth employment. With the soaring and startling figures of those affected by the Covid pandemic and on the PUP, it is a very timely discussion to be having.
Ms Cogan added: “Youth unemployment and the opportunities for younger people to secure quality and meaningful work has been an unresolved and persistent issue made worse by the financial crisis, and now more than ever with the impacts of Covid, we must be proactive and mindful to counter the imbalance and challenges that younger people are facing in accessing employment and in starting their careers. We are delighted to be launching the 2021 series and are enthused to have such strong support from our sponsors Cork Chamber Skillnet, Gas Networks Ireland, KPMG and Matheson.”
Garrett O’Rourke, Manager Cork Chamber Skillnet on sponsoring the series, said: “Climate change and compliance will impact businesses in Ireland. Businesses that proactively address environmental challenges such as climate change will safeguard our natural resources and environment while driving lasting competitive advantage.”
Barrie O’Connell, Partner in Charge KPMG Cork added: “Cork advancing its sustainability position is fundamental to our cultural, industrial and economic ambitions. We recognise climate change and sustainability are strategic business challenges, driven by social, regulatory and investor considerations for us now and future generations, which we look forward to discussing during the programme.”