I propose to take Questions Nos. 99 and 100 together.
My Department does not subsidise the advertising initiatives of private companies.
The 2023/2024 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Champions programme is a non-funded Government initiative developed to raise public awareness of the SDGs and to demonstrate that everyone in society can make a contribution to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The role of an SDG Champion is to act as an advocate and promoter of the SDGs and a good practice example of how an organisation can contribute to the SDGs and integrate them into their work and activities.
Champions have been selected from across the public, private, community, voluntary, youth and NGO sectors and are represented by larger, national organisations and smaller, community groups. In order to support awareness of the SDGs, branding has been developed to promote the spirit and objectives of the SDGs. Guidance on the appropriate use of the Champions logo has been provided to the Champions and is kept under review.
The use of branding in SDG Champions' messaging and outputs is important in raising the profile of their work towards achieving the SDGs, as well as for promoting the Goals themselves. Unified branding also helps to reinforce that we are all working together towards a common goal, achieving a more sustainable future.