Presented as part of Ballaghaderreen Arts Festival, The Future of Our Children’s World is a full-day climate action conference bringing together leading voices in sustainability, public health, renewable energy, education and community development.

The conference will feature keynote speakers, panel discussions and audience engagement focused on practical climate action and creating a better future for the next generation.

THE FUTURE OF OUR CHILDREN'S WORLD

Climate Conference Agenda

Morning

8:00
Coffee/Refreshments on arrival

9:00
Opening Address
Fr Martin Henry, Principal, Nathy's College

9:30 – 11:00
The Future of Our Children's World – Overview
• Norman Crowley – Founder of Cool Planet
• Peter McGarry – Founder of Earth Prize

Panel Discussion: Facilitator guided discussion and audience interaction and Q&A.

11:00
Coffee Break

11:20
The Health Implications of Climate Change
• Dr Mike Ryan and Professor Breda Smyth

Panel Discussion: Facilitator guided discussion and audience interaction and Q&A.

12:30 – 1:30
Lunch

Afternoon

1:30 – 2:30
Progressing to Climate Action
• Fergus Sharkey, Head of Business Supports, Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland
• Ciaran McManus, Director of Development and Support, South West College
• Dr Susan Gill, Manager of Climate Strategy and Skill – SOLAS

Panel Discussion: Facilitator guided discussion and audience interaction and Q&A.

2:30 – 3:20
Bioenergy as Community Resource – Panel Discussion
• Pauline O' Reilly, CEO, District Energy Association
• Sean Finan, CEO, Irish Bioenergy Association
• Willie Murphy, Business Operations Manager at Aurivo Co‑Operative Society

Panel Discussion: Facilitator guided discussion and audience interaction and Q&A.

3:20 – 3:30
Coffee Break

3:30 – 4:20
Renewables and Community – Panel Discussion
• Dr Helen McHenry, Western Development Commission
• Niamh Garvey, National Economic & Social Council
• Dr Niall Buckley, Integrated Environmental Solutions

Panel Discussion: Facilitator guided discussion and audience interaction and Q&A.

4:20 – 4:30
Conclusion and Farewell
• Takeaways
• Conclusion: Fr Martin Henry, Principal, Nathy's College