The Ireland Portugal Business Network (IPBN) Announces its 6th Annual Sustainability Conference

Lisbon, Portugal – The Ireland Portugal Business Network (IPBN) is delighted to announce the 6th edition of its annual flagship Sustainability Conference, set to take place at Martinhal Lisbon Oriente on Tuesday, March 18, from 9h to 13h, followed by a networking light lunch.

As a nonprofit organization, the IPBN could not organize such an exciting conference without the support of our Executive Partners, our members, our sponsors IPBN members GEOPALM and Pine Hill International, and the official partner of the conference, Chitra Stern, Entrepreneur & Founder of the Martinhal Resorts and the United Lisbon International School.

This highly anticipated event marks a celebration of St. Patrick’s Day and will feature distinguished guests, including Alma Ní Choigligh, Ambassador of Ireland to Portugal, and a Minister of the Irish Government as our keynote speakers.

Connecting Territories: The Best of Urban-Rural Cooperation

Themed Connecting Territories: The Best of Urban-Rural Cooperation, this year’s conference will feature insightful panel discussions with leading experts from Ireland and Portugal addressing key sustainability challenges and opportunities in 3 critical areas:

1. Community Development and Urban Planning – Building local communities that thrive on technology, regeneration, and togetherness. Confirmed speakers include:

   • Siobhán Finn, CEO of Community Enterprise Association Ireland

   • Laetitia Arrighi de Casanova, Director at B Lab Portugal

   • Moderated by Susan Cabeceiras, IPBN Board Member

2. Vertical Farming and Farming Sustainability – Exploring the impact of urban agriculture and transforming underutilized spaces into sustainable food sources. Confirmed speakers include:

   • John Paul Prior, Chair of IPBN Porto & Director at Farmony

   • Patrick FitzGerald, CEO & Founder of Beotanics, Board Member of The Irish Food Board

   • Moderated by Andy O’Donoghue, IPBN member and Enterprise Ireland Business Partner

3. Sustainable AI-Scale Data Centers – Examining the role of innovative cooling and renewable energy solutions in large-scale data infrastructure. Confirmed speakers include:

   • India Branquinho de Oliveira, Sustainability Site Coordinator at Start Campus

   • Declan Wynne, Managing Director at Skanstec Engineering & EY Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist 2023

   • Moderated by Kayleigh Ann Myles, Lawler Sustainability, winner of the 2024 IPBN Business Success Awards

A Platform for Business Growth and Partnership

The IPBN Sustainability Conference is a prime opportunity for businesses, entrepreneurs, and policymakers from both countries to connect, exchange ideas, and foster cross-border partnerships. Attendees will gain firsthand insights into emerging trends, sustainable business practices, and strategies to bridge urban and rural development gaps.

Event Schedule (Subject to Change)

• 08:30 – Registration & Welcome Coffee

• 09:15 – Opening Remarks: Geoffrey Graham, IPBN Chair & Irish Ambassador to Portugal

• 09:30 – Opening Statement: Irish Minister

• 09:45 – Keynote Speech: Chitra Stern, Founder of Martinhal Resorts & United Lisbon International School

• 10:00 – Panel 1: Community Development & Urban Planning

• 10:30 – Panel 2: Vertical Farming & Farming Sustainability

• 11:00 – Sponsor Introductions

• 11:15 – Coffee Break

• 11:45 – Panel 3: Sustainable AI-Scale Data Centres

• 12:30 – Enterprise Ireland Business Showcase

• 13:00 – Networking & Light Lunch

• 14:00 – Event Ends

Join Us in Shaping a More Sustainable Future

We invite all IPBN members, business leaders, policymakers, and sustainability advocates to join us for this insightful and impactful event. Registration is open and available here.

For further information, sponsorship inquiries, or media requests, don't hesitate to get in touch with Arnold Delville, IPBN General Manager at arnold.delville@ireland-portugal.com, or by phone at +351 968 764 790.

About the Ireland Portugal Business Network (IPBN)

Founded in 2016, the Ireland Portugal Business Network is dedicated to fostering economic activity and business opportunities between Ireland and Portugal. Supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Ireland, the network collaborates closely with the Irish Ambassador in Lisbon, Enterprise Ireland, and AICEP Portugal Global. With a diverse membership across industries, IPBN provides valuable networking, knowledge-sharing, and business growth opportunities through events, expert insights, and strategic connections.

For more information, visit www.ireland-portugal.com or follow us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/ireland-portugal-business-network