Triple success for DCU team at UN Global SDG Public Policy Innovation Challenge

A Dublin City University Business School team has secured second place in the world at the 2026 UN Global SDG Public Policy Innovation Challenge, held at Renmin University of China in Beijing.

Representing both DCU and Ireland, the team developed an innovative public policy proposal focused on increasing the everyday use of the Irish language.

The international competition brought together more than 4,000 participants from over 400 institutions across 100 countries and six continents. Just 15 teams were selected to present their proposals at the global final in Beijing.

In addition to placing second overall, the DCU team received the Best Research Award in recognition of the quality and depth of the research underpinning its proposal. A member of the team, Lucas Spicer was also presented with the competition’s Best Individual Award.

The policy explored how Irish could move from being primarily a language people learn to one that is more widely used in daily life. It proposed a practical and evidence-based approach to strengthening the role of Irish in communities and encouraging greater engagement with the language beyond formal education.

The team included Lucas Spicer, Simon Madden, Simon Standa and Wojciech Karatysz, who worked collaboratively to develop and present the proposal on the international stage.

Their success highlights the value of interdisciplinary research, innovative policy development and collaboration in responding to important social and cultural challenges. It also demonstrates the potential for locally relevant ideas to contribute to international conversations around sustainable development, inclusion and cultural identity.

The UN Global SDG Public Policy Innovation Challenge provides students with an opportunity to develop policy responses aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Participants are required to combine research, critical analysis and practical policy design to address complex societal challenges.

DCU Business School congratulates the team on this significant international achievement and on representing DCU and Ireland with distinction.

Congratulations are also extended to the University of Oxford team, which secured first place in the competition. DCU Business School thanks Renmin University of China for hosting the global final and for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to all participating teams.