AIB : Rt. Hon. Dame Jacinda Ardern and Trevor Noah to speak at AIB’s 7th annual Sustainability Conference

3rd October 2023

Rt. Hon. Dame Jacinda Ardern and Trevor Noah to speak at AIB's 7th annual Sustainability

Conference

AIB has announced the guest speakers for its 7th annual Sustainability Conference, which takes place on 20th November from 9am to 1pm. The conference theme is It's Time To Act and comes at a time when the impacts of climate change are being felt across the world.

The Rt. Hon. Dame Jacinda Ardern, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, Senior Fellow, Harvard University will be speaking and attending her first event in Ireland since she stepped down as Prime Minister. Trevor Noah, Comedian, Best-selling Author, Producer and Philanthropist will also speak.

As always, AIB's Sustainability Conference will hear from a number of Irish businesses who will share their knowledge and experience in how they've integrated the green agenda into their businesses, offering practical advice and tips for those who attend virtually.

AIB Chief Executive Colin Hunt said "At a time when the sustainability agenda is coming under increased scrutiny and pressure, it is more important than ever to reiterate the urgent action needed, reflected in our theme - It's Time to Act. The 7th annual AIB Sustainability Conference gives a platform to global thought leaders, imparts practical advice and supports businesses as we all seek to transition to a net zero economy. Climate change is a challenge of huge proportions, and impacts our everyday lives, and I'm delighted to welcome Dame Jacinda Ardern and Trevor Noah to share their thoughts."

The event is free, and conference registration for those who wish to attend virtually is now open at www.aibsustainabilityconference.ie/register

• AIB has been supporting our customers in their transition to net zero and is a leading lender to the renewables sector, enabling the greening of the national grid with €9 billion in green lending since 2019.
• AIB secured a Corporate Power Purchase Agreement with NTR plc in October 2022 to provide up to 80% of the Group's energy needs from renewable sources - along with additional capacity for the national grid - with the first of two solar farms expected to be ready for energisation in the coming months.
• Over the last three years, AIB has raised €5 billion from the issuance of green and social bonds after becoming the first Irish bank to issue a green bond and the 19th bank globally, as investors are attracted by the bank's strong green lending credentials. Green bonds are a key part of the transition finance toolkit as they enable capital to be directed towards key green and transition activities. The more green lending AIB does, the more green capital it can attract to support further lending to build the climate action and energy infrastructure of the future.
• AIB now ranks in the top five per cent (44 out 1,001) of global banks and was assessed to be at Low Risk of experiencing material financial impacts from Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) factors by Sustainalytics.

Media enquiries: paddy.x.mcdonnell@aib.ie087 739 0743

Notes:

The Rt. Hon. Dame Jacinda Ardern, Prime Minister of New Zealand; Senior Fellow, Harvard University; Special Envoy, Christchurch Call; Board Member, The Earthshot Prize

The Right Honourable Dame Jacinda Ardern became the Prime Minister of New Zealand at just 37 years of age. During her time in office she faced the challenges of a live streamed domestic terror attack against New Zealand's Muslim community, a volcanic eruption and the COVID 19 pandemic.

While in office, New Zealand reached 50 percent representation of women in parliament, and on government appointed boards. She decriminalised abortion, improved pay equity laws and extended paid parental leave to six months. She is a passionate advocate on climate action and is a board member of The Earthshot Prize, focusing on solutions to climate change and environmental issues.

Trevor Noah

Trevor Noah is one of the most successful comedians in Africa and was the host of the Emmy® Award-winningThe Daily Show on Comedy Central for seven years. He is the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood, a collection of personal stories about growing up in South Africa during the dying embers of apartheid and the tumultuous days of freedom that came with its demise.

On television, Trevor's production company Day Zero is producing several scripted and documentary series including partnering with Time Studios and Sugar23 on MSNBC/Peacock's The Turning Point, which examines urgent issues around the world like climate change, voting rights, and the global refugee crisis.