On the 8th April Chartered Accountants Ireland announced Fiona Smiddy, founder of Green Outlook as its 2022 Chartered Star. Now in its eighth year, the designation is awarded annually by the largest accountancy body on the island of Ireland to an individual who is doing outstanding work in support of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
After an open application process, shortlisted candidates submitted video content and were interviewed by a panel of three judges. Recognising the significant role Chartered Accountants must play in helping to combat the climate crisis, entrants were asked to demonstrate how they are working towards, supporting, or living the values of any of the 17 UN SDGs.
As well as owning the online eco-friendly retail business, Fiona is a member of the Irish FinBiz2030 Taskforce and 2022 Secretary and Vice President of Network Ireland Kildare branch. She writes a series of informative blogs under the Green Outlook banner promoting sustainable living. She is passionate about climate action and encouraging individuals to take action towards a better world for people and planet.
Fiona will now represent Ireland’s chartered accountancy profession at the One Young World summit in Manchester this September. The international Summit gathers delegates from 190+ countries, giving a platform to young leaders that are committed to making a difference, to speak alongside Presidents, Nobel Prize winners, and other inspiring global and business leaders.
Commenting Barry Dempsey, Chief Executive, Chartered Accountants Ireland said
“Congratulations to Fiona on this significant achievement, and to her fellow shortlisted candidates. Fiona follows in the footsteps of other Chartered Stars who have demonstrated passion and commitment in applying the skills and knowledge of the chartered accountancy profession to trying to address just some of the issues that the climate crisis presents. As a profession and an Institute, we are fortunate and proud to be represented on the international stage by Fiona.”
Fiona is co-lead of the Climate Action workstream of the Irish Finbiz2030 Taskforce.
Finance & Business 2030 (FinBiz2030) is a joint initiative between One Young World and Chartered Accountants Worldwide, launched in London in 2019. Our aim is to establish an active and engaged finance and business community globally that is dedicated to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
The workstream Fiona works within is focused on creating awareness of the importance of SDG 13 Climate Action. Fiona noted “We want to educate and empower finance and business professionals to take ownership of the climate crisis in their role from trainee to C suite. We would love to see more proactive work on Climate Action within the Finance and Business community.”
You can read more about the work being done to support SDG 13 by the FinBiz2030 taskforces in this interview.
Fiona Smiddy commented
“It’s an honour to represent Chartered Accountants Ireland as the 2022 Young Chartered Star and to attend the One Young World Summit as a delegate in Manchester in September. I’m really looking forward to learning from inspiring world leaders and contributing to the conversation on solutions for global social and climate issues. I’m inspired by the other finalists to continue to support action towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) alongside the Chartered community, the Irish FinBiz2030 Taskforce and my wider network.”
You can follow Fiona’s year as a Chartered Star via social media (LinkedIn, Instagram and Twitter) or stay up to date on new blogs through the Green Outlook newsletter.
