Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 June 2023
153. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he plans to attend the UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in July 2023, where Ireland will present its Voluntary National Review; the concrete commitments he will make between now and then to ensure we are reaching the furthest behind first; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28429/23]
View answer154. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his attention has been drawn to a report (details supplied) published last month which assesses Ireland's progress on meeting UN Sustainable Development Goals, specifically the commitment to reach the furthest behind first; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28430/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 153 and 154 together.
Leaving no-one behind is Ireland’s 2023 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) focus and the inspiration for the development of Ireland’s second Voluntary National Review (VNR) which I look forward to delivering at the United Nations High-Level Political Forum in July.
This focus runs throughout the entire report as we reflect as a country on what we have learned from the COVID-19 pandemic; areas where we are doing well; areas where improvement is required; and our progress in implementing the SDG targets for all people, reaching the furthest behind first.
It reflects Ireland’s strong economic recovery following the pandemic and our efforts to build back better guided by the SDGs and Agenda 2030. It comprehensively demonstrates the extensive suite of national policies which continue to be introduced to support and address the SDGs and their associated targets. These policies also ensure delivery across areas of national importance and provide strategic frameworks for progress and success.
I am aware of the report the Deputy refers to which builds on a chapter that Coalition 2030 were invited to contribute to the VNR.
We have adopted a ‘whole-of-government’ approach to implementing the SDGs, by embedding a framework into national and local government work to ensure a coherent system-wide approach, as well as greater dialogue and joined-up thinking between policy makers across sectors.
Ireland’s first National Implementation Plan provided a framework for Ireland to work towards implementing the SDGs, including through the support of national policies which contribute to meeting the Goals, and the facilitation of multi-stakeholder participation. The timing of this VNR coincides with Ireland’s second National Implementation Plan 2022 - 2024 for the SDGs building on the structures and mechanisms from the first Plan, developing and integrating additional approaches in areas identified through review and consultation that require further action.
As we enter the third Decade of Action for the SDGs, I recognise the urgency of moving into the next phase of implementation and the actions identified in the new Plan are essential to this transition.
