Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 4 February 2021
94. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department’s new statement of strategy will support the implementation of the sustainable development goals; if specific goals and sub-targets have been identified as being particularly relevant to his Department's work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6214/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra95. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the policies and plans through which his Department will be working towards the achievement of the specific sustainable development goals targets that fall under the aegis of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6219/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 94 and 95 together.
Ireland played a unique and central role in the process to agree Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as Co-Chair in 2015, alongside Kenya, of the final UN intergovernmental negotiations. The SDG vision of a safer, more peaceful, equal and sustainable world is reflected in Ireland’s foreign policy and underpins Ireland’s international development policy, A Better World.
My Department’s Statement of Strategy for 2021-2025 will shortly be shared with the Oireachtas. That Statement of Strategy informs the business plans of the Department of Foreign Affairs, which continue to reflect the centrality of the SDGs and Ireland’s commitment to Agenda 2030, reflecting the cross cutting importance of SDG implementation for all of my Department’s work.
The forthcoming Statement of Strategy will have a focus on ‘Our Values: To work for a fairer, just, secure and sustainable world’, identifying four key outcomes which the Department will continue to work towards:
- A Secure World: A stable and secure rules based international environment
- A Just World: Promotion and protection of human rights internationally
- A Fairer World: Progress in eradicating poverty, hunger and promoting inclusive economic growth
- A Sustainable World: A framework for sustainable development addressing climate change, public health, food security and sustainable economic recovery
These key outcomes are in turn associated with very specific priority outputs for the Department. In line with the Programme for Government, the Department has also established a Climate Unit within the Development Cooperation and Africa Division, which will assist in further developing our approach to mainstreaming climate change policy.
There is a whole-of-Government approach to SDG implementation both at home, and in our contribution to the achievement of the SDGs globally - so that no one is left behind. The Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications is the lead Department on the SDGs. An interdepartmental working group coordinates action across Government on the SDGs and officials from my Department participate in this as well as in the national SDG Stakeholder Forum, which brings different stakeholders together.
As part of the follow-up and review arrangements for the SDGs, Ireland's next national SDG progress report (the Voluntary National Review) is due to be presented to the UN High Level Political Forum (HLPF) in 2022. At last year’s virtual HLPF, my colleague Minister Eamon Ryan reiterated the Government’s commitment to meeting the ambitious targets set in Agenda 2030.
My Department is continuing its active engagement in progressing the SDGs through the Government’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) programme, and in international forums for SDG implementation, particularly through the United Nations system. Our current membership of the UN Security Council enables us to make a strong contribution to SDG 16, which promotes peace, justice and strong institutions.
