7th Annual IPBN Sustainability Conference - OCEAN

The Ireland Portugal Business Network was delighted to host the 7th edition of its annual flagship Sustainability Conference on Tuesday, 17 March, at the UE Oriente Green Campus, from 9h to 13h, followed by a light lunch, with the support of the conference's Premium Sponsor, IPBN member company Multi Family Wealth and Sponsor IPBN Member Eco Dome Homes.

Held each year around St Patrick’s Day, the IPBN Sustainability Conference has become a cornerstone event in the Ireland–Portugal business calendar. This edition once again welcomed Alma Ní Choigligh, Ambassador of Ireland to Portugal as well as the IPBN Chair and Board Members, marking the occasion with a strong sense of shared purpose, celebration, and collaboration.

Ocean – The Blue Economy

The theme for this year’s conference, “Ocean – The Blue Economy,” reflected the growing urgency and opportunity surrounding ocean sustainability, innovation, and responsible economic development. With Ireland and Portugal both deeply connected to the Atlantic, the ocean represents not only a shared natural heritage, but also a powerful space for joint leadership in sustainability, science, and technology.

The conference explored this theme through a series of engaging panel conversations, bringing together experts from both countries to share real-world experience, research, and forward-looking solutions across three key areas:

• Climate impact on coastal infrastructure:
  Examining real-time climate risks such as sea-level rise, stronger storms, and storm surges, and how these pressures are accelerating the degradation of transport networks, water systems, and coastal protection structures.
• Science, innovation, and ocean climate justice:
  A dedicated panel conversation with the Ethical Assembly, exploring science-driven approaches, innovation, and the social and ethical dimensions of ocean protection.
• Technology transforming ocean protection. What's next for tech-driven marine protection:
  Entering a new era of innovation, this discussion will look at how AI, drones, and the Internet of Things (IoT) are reshaping ocean monitoring and protection — enabling real-time response, predictive modelling, and unprecedented global collaboration.

Ireland–Portugal Collaboration

A central focus of the conference was the work already underway in Ireland and Portugal across these areas, and how stronger partnerships between the two countries can drive environmental, social, and economic impact. Guest speakers from both markets highlighted opportunities for cooperation, innovation, and shared leadership in the Blue Economy.

A Forum for Connection and Exchange

Beyond the panels, the Sustainability Conference offered a valuable opportunity to connect with key players from the sustainability, innovation, and business communities, alongside IPBN Executive Partners, members, and stakeholders from both countries.

Special thank you to all our Partners

• IPBN member Multi Family Wealth.- Premium Sponsor
• CGreener Comunicação - PR Communication Partner 
• Universidade Europeia - Venue and Academic Partner
• IPBN Executive Partners
• Essential Business Portugal – Media Partner
• RXL Studio – Media Production Partner

There was also plenty of time for networking during our welcome coffee, coffee break (30 minutes) and our light lunch.

Programme 

0830  Registration and Welcome coffee

0915   Welcome Statements from Geoffrey Graham, Chair of the IPBN Board & Alma Ní Choigligh, Ambassador of Ireland to Portugal & Recording message from Irish Minister Mary Butler T.D., Government Chief Whip.

0945   Keynote Statement - Hélia Gonçalves Pereira, Reitora Universidade Europeia about the Green Campus

1000    Panel 1 - A panel conversation in partnership with the Ethical Assembly about Science-driven / Innovation  / Ocean climate Justice with guest speakers:

• Christopher Storey - Sea Shepherd Global, Divers For the Ocean: Project development, Partnerships Specialist, Sustainability Leader
• André Almeida Santos - Partner at Indico Capital Partners, heading Sustainability & Impact and leading the Blue Economy investments across Europe
• Henrique Folhas - Ocean and Conservation Activist, Sciaena
• Moderated by Patricia Imbarus, Climate & Sustainability Strategist & Founder, Ethical Assembly

1045    Panel 2 – A conversation about real-time climate impacts on coastal infrastructure with: 

• Pofessor Emilia Duarte – UE/IADE - "Diving Heritage: Design Innovation for Resilient Coastal Communities through Underwater Cultural Heritage Tourism"
• Antonia Correia, KiPT COLAB, CODE Blue Project
• Pedro Pardal Monteiro, Vice-President of the Portuguese Surfing Federation | Surf Project Manager | Surf Coastal Engineering Expert 
• Moderated by IPBN Board Member Susan Cabeceiras, Founder & Chair KONCEPTNESS Gestão de Projetos, Imobiliária, Arquitetura, Engenharia & Design

1130     Sponsors introduction –  5min Pitch each

1145     Coffee Break

1215     Panel 3 - What’s Next? The Future of Tech-Driven Marine Protection.

• Lee Bristow, The Ocean and AI – Tech Driven protections 
• Agostinho da Silva, Catolica Porto Business school – Board Member, MARE, Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre 
• Pedro Costa from the University of Coimbra
• Moderated by IPBN Board Member Mario Gago, CEO Pink Room Software  

1300    Networking with light lunch

1400    End

The conference was open to IPBN members and non members