What happens when you bring together brilliant minds, inspiring leaders, and an unwavering commitment to a greener future? You get the 8th Annual AIB Sustainability Conference, held on Monday, 25 November 2024, at Dublin’s RDS. This year’s gathering wasn’t just another conference—it was a powerful mix of passion, practicality, and people ready to make a difference.

From Oscar-nominated actor-turned-environmental-champion Edward Norton to the always-inspiring Mary Robinson, the event packed a punch with insights, ideas, and action plans for a sustainable tomorrow. And let’s not forget the ever-polished Dearbhail McDonald, who made hosting such a powerhouse lineup look effortless.

Keynote Highlights

Edward Norton: Hollywood Meets Impact Investing

Edward Norton didn’t just steal the show—he owned the room. With his storytelling skills honed both on-screen and off, Norton shared his personal journey into sustainability. From chairing the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust to his role as the UN Goodwill Ambassador for Biodiversity, Norton illustrated how impact investments can bring both financial returns and real-world change.

And his message? Clear, powerful, and refreshingly optimistic:

“No one is too young to lead, or too old to learn. We’re in this together, and the power of the collective can make a difference.”

Mary Robinson: The Ultimate “Prisoner of Hope”

If optimism had a superhero cape, Mary Robinson would be wearing it. With her characteristic warmth and wit, Robinson championed the need for multi-generational collaboration in tackling the climate crisis. She reflected on her journey as Ireland’s first female president and as the UN Special Envoy on Climate Change, urging us all to embrace resilience and inclusivity. Her mantra? Stay hopeful. Stay determined. Be a “prisoner of hope.”

AIB’s Green Agenda: Walking the Talk

AIB CEO Colin Hunt took the stage to highlight the bank’s ambitious steps toward sustainability, proving they’re not just talking the talk. Here are some of their big wins:

€13.7 billion already deployed from their €30 billion Climate Action Fund.
A new Climate Capital segment focused on renewable energy and infrastructure.
A whopping €650 million raised in green bonds this year alone.

Hunt’s takeaway? Action beats discussion any day:

"By being united in our resolve to combat climate change, we can empower people to build a sustainable future."

Panels That Got Real

The day’s panels were packed with practical advice, covering everything from science-based targets to balancing the triple bottom line: profit, people, and the planet. The message was loud and clear—action, not ideas, will drive change.

AwakenHub: Women Leading the Way

We were thrilled to see so many of our AwakenHub women founders at the event. These incredible leaders are proving every day that sustainability isn’t just good for the planet—it’s good for business too.

Shout-out to:

Danielle McCormick (Triterra)
Sylwia Brzozowska (TY Future)
Sophie Nicol (Windrush Farm Limited)
Rebecca Molloy (TrustWorki)
Julie Connelly (AI Mapit)
Faye Walsh Drouillard (WakeUp Capital)
Mary Blake (SeeMe Ltd.)
Mary O’Riordan (HaPPE Earth)
Alison McMurtrie (Idunn Consulting)

Their passion and innovation are what this movement is all about!

Final Thoughts: Let’s Keep Going

The 8th Annual AIB Sustainability Conference was more than an event—it was a reminder of what’s possible when people come together with purpose. Whether it was Norton’s captivating storytelling, Robinson’s hopeful resilience, or the actionable advice from the panels, one thing is clear: the future is ours to shape.

Reflections from the 8th Annual AIB Sustainability Conference 2024