Partners gather at Guildhall for Climate Action conference

Some of the leading voices in the campaign for Sustainability and Climate Action gathered this week at the Guildhall for the Derry and Strabane Sustainability and Climate Commission Launch and Community Showcase 2024 Event.

The event marked the official launch of the Derry & Strabane Sustainability and Climate Commission, a significant cross-sectoral partnership dedicated to working together to identify solutions that meet the climate and ecological needs of the City and District, as well as the broader region.

Established in January 2024, the Commission is the second of its kind in N. Ireland and members stem from Northern Ireland government departments, agencies, communities, education, and business.

Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Cllr Lilian Seenoi-Barr opened the event, reaffirming Derry City and Strabane District Council’s commitment to working with local partners to address the climate and ecological crisis.

“I was delighted to see so many organisations represented at today’s conference, and the shared commitment to pioneering cross-sectoral sustainability and climate action,” she declared. “As a Council we have been working to deliver our Climate Pledge towards a net zero, climate resilient City & District by 2045, but we recognise that we need to work collaboratively with everyone to turn this ambition into action.  

"In order to bring about impactful and sustainable change on a scale that will really protect and preserve our natural environment and local communities, it’s essential that we work together and draw on the expertise and resources of a wide range of partners,” she stressed.

The Derry and Strabane Sustainability and Climate Commission chair Professor Ian Montgomery from Ulster University said: “Climate change is the greatest threat facing humanity, with the last ten years being the warmest on record, with shifting weather patterns causing difficulties worldwide.

"It is incumbent on all of us as world citizens to cutting our carbon emissions and playing our part in saving our planet – the only home we’ve ever known.

"Derry City and Strabane District Council have shown great leadership in bringing together stakeholders from many sectors to debate and plan how their Climate Commission can take a leading role in positive climate action for all their citizens.”

Climate Programme Manager with Council, who hosted the event, Cathy Burns, said afterwards: “The conference provided an opportunity to unite national leaders, policymakers, industry experts, and community leaders to address the pressing challenges presented by the climate and ecological crisis.

"There is recognition by all our partners that we urgently need to address issues of sustainability, biodiversity loss, greenhouse gas emissions and the preservation of our natural environment for the betterment of all our communities. We had the chance to look at some of the fantastic work already ongoing across Derry and Strabane and to hear from some of the leading voices on pioneering climate and sustainability strategies.

“We are now calling on our communities, businesses, public sector and education to get involved and be part of the dialogue. We need to work in partnership to find solutions and create a better future for all.”

PICTURED ABOVE: Pictured at the Derry and Strabane Sustainability and Climate Commission Launch and Community Showcase 2024 Event in the Guildhall this week are Nick Wallet – Innovate UK Net Zero Living Programme (Project Funder), John Kelpie, Chief Executive, Derry City and Strabane District Council, Michele Murphy, Council’s Net Zero Innovation Delivery officer, Mayor of Derry and Strabane Lilian Seenoi Barr, Professor Ian Montgomery, Ulster University Dean of Sustainability and Commission Chair and Prab Ministry, Innovate UK Net Zero Living Programme (Project Funder)