Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 June 2023
101. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the work of his Department with its counterparts in Qatar relating to a political declaration on the social development goals to be jointly published in September 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31253/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland played a significant role in the development and adoption in 2015 of the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development, with its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We have prioritised their implementation nationally and internationally. The SDGs 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 the 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.
