Stepping into the Doughnut with Kate Raworth and IDEN
TU Dublin's Sustainability Education Team were proud supporters of the 'Creating a Flourishing Irish Society: Wellbeing, Sustainability & Doughnut Economics' event which took place on Tuesday, 03 September at the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA).
The Irish Doughnut Economics Network (IDEN) event welcomed global thought-leader Kate Raworth as keynote speaker to address an audience of over 50 sustainability educators and enthusiasts, policy makers, and academics, who are working to advance the concept of 'Doughnut Economics' into practice through meaningful local actions.
Economist and author, Kate Raworth, is the creator of Doughnut Economics, a model that balances human needs with planetary boundaries.
Set against a backdrop of the beautiful IMMA and its grounds, with interludes of singing, poetry, people were brought together to form connections and learn from each others experiences. Framed around the challenge: 'Can Ireland adopt the principals of Doughnut Economics to shape a future where we can thrive within ecological limits?', participants engaged in a World Café-style call-to-action hosted by An Taisce, and a 'Stepping into the Doughnut' activity hosted by TU Dublin's Sustainability Education colleagues Dr Lucia Walsh and Dr Olivia Freeman.
The 'Stepping into the Doughnut' is an energetic and stimulating activity that introduces key environmental and social sustainability concepts. Drawing on the principles of Doughnut Economics, participants explore the planetary boundaries, social foundations, and plan individual and collective actions.
Speaking of her main take aways from the event, Dr Lucia Walsh reflected:
Our driver must be 'purpose, time, and patience' – just as plants and trees establish strong roots before emerging, we must focus on building strong foundations through local actions before progress is visible to everyone. The stories we tell can become a reality; by reframing our narratives and challenging long-held beliefs, together we can shift perceptions in society, change behaviours, and ultimately achieve necessary systems change. Today's gathering heard diverse voices and perspectives, allowing our team to create new meaningful connections and strengthen existing ones.
Speaking of the influence that 'Doughnut Economics' has brought to teaching and learning Dr Olivia Freeman said:
At Technological University Dublin, we’ve been using Doughnut Economics as a guiding framework with our colleagues and students, ensuring our actions remain within planetary boundaries while promoting social equity. Within the Sustainability Education Team, we have facilitated the ‘Stepping into the Doughnut’ activity many times, inspired by an event we took part in with Roisin Markham, Deirdre Murphy, Lara Kelly and the Dominican Sisters' in 2023. Playful approaches using movement can really bring important concepts and their meaning to life.
Shared Impact
By taking part in the 'Step into the Donut' activity, participants are supporting TU Dublin's Strategic Intent to 2030 under the pillars of
- People (fostering individual talents in an ever-changing world),
- Planet (a powerhouse for living & breathing sustainability),
- and Partnership (delivering shared impact).
Involvement in a Step into the Donut workshop, not only helps you understand our planetary boundaries but it creates a space to discuss local sustainability actions with like minded people; this supports many of the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in particular SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.