Dóchas Conference 2024

Dóchas at 50: Sustainable Development in a Time of Climate Crisis

We are delighted to announce that the 2024 Conference, Dóchas at 50: Sustainable Development in a Time of Climate Crisis will be held on Thursday 9th May at Royal College of Physicians, Kildare Street, Dublin 2 from 12pm until 5pm, followed by a Reception until 7pm. 

This year we celebrate five decades of collaboration amongst International development and humanitarian organisations in Ireland, and our collective vision for a just, equal and sustainable world. Climate change is the defining issue of our time and we are at a defining moment. At this year’s conference, we will explore climate adaptation, anticipatory action, and how we can work together towards a just transition. 

We are happy to share that we will be joined by President Michael D. Higgins who will deliver the conference's keynote speech. 

On the day we will also be joined by a number of esteemed panelists and moderators, such as Professor Attiya Waris, Dr. Hugo Slim and Mr. Paul Knox Clarke to name a few. 

For more information on our panelists click here 

Tickets for this year's conference are sold out. We thank all those who have purchased tickets and look forward to seeing you on May 9th.

Programme

12.00-13:00 Registration and Lunch 

13:00-13:10 Conference Opening by Jane-Ann McKenna, Dóchas CEO

13:10-13:40 Keynote Address from President Michael D. Higgins

13:45-15:00 Panel 1 -  What does a just transition look like in the Global South?

Prof. Attiya Waris - Professor at the Law School of the University of Nairobi in Kenya, and UN Independent Expert on Foreign Debt, Other International Financial Obligations and Human Rights

Ms. Karol Balfe - CEO of ActionAid Ireland

Mr. Zachary Lager - Global Carbon Coordinator at Self Help Africa 

Moderated by Ms. Sadhbh O'Neill, Senior Climate Advisor at Friends of the Earth Ireland

15:00-15:20 Coffee Break & Networking 

15:20- 16:50 Panel 2 - Adapting Humanitarian Action in a Climate Emergency 

Dr. Hugo Slim - Senior Research Fellow at Las Casas Institute for Social Justice at the University of Oxford

Mr. Paul Knox Clarke -  Principal of the ADAPT Initiative 

Ms. Nishanie Jayamaha - Co-lead at the Secretariat for the Climate and Environment Charter for Humanitarian Organisations

Mr. Maurice Sadlier - Programme Director at World Vision Ireland 

Moderated by Ms. Réiseal Ní Chéilleachair, Head of International Advocacy at Concern Worldwide

16:50-17:00 Conference Closing by Jane-Ann McKenna, Dóchas CEO 

17:00-19:00 Reception to Celebrate Dóchas' 50th Anniversary

For more information on our panelists click here 

Our Supporters 

We are thrilled to announce that the UCD Innovation Academy is supporting this year’s Dóchas conference. The UCD Innovation Academy is currently offering funded places on their MSc in Design Thinking for Sustainability, starting September 2024. This is a unique masters programme that bridges sustainability knowledge and skills, ensuring students are ready to quickly transition to new roles and opportunities upon graduation.Offers are made on a rolling basis until the programme is full but early application is advised. Find out more here, or visit the UCD Innovation Academy stand at the Dóchas conference.

Tickets for the Conference have sold out via Eventbrite. Please contact programmesupport(at)dochas.ie for inquiries.