Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 June 2023
68. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if preparations are under way ahead of the 2023 SDG Summit convening this September in New York and in particular for the role Ireland will play as co-facilitator of a negotiated political declaration as an output from the summit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28739/23]
View answerIreland played a significant role in the development and adoption of the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development. We have prioritised the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) nationally and internationally. The provide the overall framework for the Government's international development policy, A Better World.
In September, world leaders will meet at the SDG Summit in New York to review progress on the SDGs. The Summit is an opportunity to rebuild momentum towards these Goals. The Permanent Representatives of Ireland and Qatar have been appointed to co-facilitate the negotiations on the Political Declaration to be adopted at the Summit. The role of co-facilitator is to ensure the Declaration reflects a broad consensus among Member States.
Preparations are well underway. Consultations began earlier this year, aiming to reach consensus on a final draft of the Declaration over the summer. The co-facilitators are working in a transparent and inclusive manner with UN member states, civil society and young people, academia and the private sector.
In our role as co-facilitator we are determined that the Political Declaration will give a clear statement of direction, galvanizing a shift from crisis response towards sustainable development. A strong outcome will also reaffirm the central role of multilateralism in finding solutions to the multiple challenges our world is facing.
