Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) Dean of Flexible and Workplace Learning and Director of Industry Engagement, Seamus Hoyne, was chosen as Master of Ceremonies for The EU Covenant of Mayors event in Brussels, a major continent-wide gathering which took place in the European Parliament. The event was opened by Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and Kata Tüttő, President of the European Committee of the Regions
Seamus was chosen to MC for the prestigious event due to his role as a sustainability expert in Higher Education and to bring an independent and respected perspective to the event.
The EU Covenant of Mayors is a global network of cities, towns, and regions focusing on sustainability and climate action. Hundreds of mayors, local councilors and regional leaders came together from across Europe to reiterate their ongoing commitment to the EU’s resilient and climate-neutral future.
Speaking about his role on the day, Seamus said: “It was a great honour to preside as Master of Ceremonies for the EU Convent of Mayors Ceremony. The fact that the three Presidents from EU Institutes (the Parliament, Commission and Committee of the Regions) spoke at the event highlights the importance placed on the efforts which local and regional authorities across Europe are making to tackle climate change. Having worked in the sustainable energy field for over 25 years across education, research and engagement I was very proud to engage with the Presidents and the numerous Mayors from across Europe to highlight both the successes achieved to date as well as the current and future challenges they face. My selection to act as MC also reflects the position of TUS as a leader in the field of sustainability.”
Remarking on Seamus’s role as Master of Ceremonies at the EU Covenant of Mayors Ceremony, TUS President, Professor Vincent Cunnane, said: “I would like to recognise Seamus on fulfilling this role at the EU Covenant of Mayors event at the European Parliament. It is a true testament to his standing and the strong position of TUS in this crucial field. This recognition comes at a particularly fitting time for us, as we recently celebrated RUN EU Day alongside our partners in the Regional University Network Europe. The fact that our Dean of Flexible and Workplace Learning was chairing such an important event on climate change and sustainability, on a day when we marked our pan-European collaboration, clearly shows how TUS is deeply rooted in addressing the real-world problems that face our communities across the continent. This is precisely what a Technological University is built to do.”
This year’s Ceremony, with over 150 mayors and 700 participants from cities and towns all over Europe, reflected the significance of a pivotal year: ten years since the Paris Agreement, one year into a new EU mandate, and just a quarter of a century away from the EU’s climate-neutrality target.
Mayors, regional leaders and local actors came in large numbers to show how – driven by a long-term vision and planning – they remain committed to implementing the EU’s ambitious climate targets on the ground, all the while providing effective responses to current challenges and crises.
From guaranteeing energy security through clean, homegrown power to preparing cities for increasingly severe climate impacts, local climate action is equipping Europe to stay resilient in an ever more unstable world and to protect its citizens from future crises.