The Department of the Environment, Climate, and Communications has selected Irish Girl Guides (IGG) as one of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Champions for the 2024-25 Programme.
As a youth-driven organisation with our members at the heart of all decision-making, IGG has shown increasing interest in the SDGs and Global Citizenship Education (GCE) over the years. Its members are demonstrable changemakers both within and outside the organisation, eager to actively participate in creating a healthier planet and society.
Irish Girl Guides actively promotes the SDGs among its members, who range from five to 30 years old. As a girls and young women centred organisation since its founding in 1911, the ethos and work of IGG have contributed towards the advancement and highlighting of various SDGs, particularly SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
IGG’s Mission is “to enable girls and young women to develop to their fullest potential as responsible citizens of the world.” Its Vision is “a future which is sustainable, diverse, and equal where girls and young women are empowered to advocate and lead the way.” In this sense, IGG is committed to raising awareness of the importance of the SDGs as a founding principle for a fair and sustainable future for all.
IGG’s work emphasises the outdoors, environment, community responsibility, and global sisterhood through our membership in the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS). SDG linking is particularly visible in the organisation’s programmes and its Badges. Existing badges related to environmental awareness, disability awareness, cultural diversity, and care for the elderly directly relate to the SDGs. IGG also has specific badges dedicated to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 14 (Life Below Water), which particularly engage IGG members.
Shauna Harris, Irish Girl Guides Global Citizenship Education Programme Officer, said: “The Irish Girl Guides are delighted to be SDG Champions, leading by example and collaborating with others. Being selected is a recognition of the daily work we do with our members and aligns with IGG’s core values and mission. This engagement in the SDG Champion Programme will support us in further advancing our work in promoting SDGs and GCE among our members, and to show through our actions that everyone in society can make critical changes for a better world.”
Irish Girl Guides
Irish Girl Guides has 10,000 members across Ireland. Guiding started in Ireland in 1911 and operates throughout the 26 counties with 1,600 volunteer Leaders providing an informal educational programme of fun and challenging activities that foster confidence and leadership skills in girls and young women, enabling them to develop to their full potential and to become responsible citizens. https://irishgirlguides.ie/
