Ireland must lead on Sustainable Development Goals

Labour Party Leader and spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Brendan Howlin TD has said on the second anniversary of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, that having played a key role in negotiating the 17 goals and 169 targets, Ireland must now lead on delivery.

Deputy Howlin said:

“Despite considerable progress, chronic poverty, hunger, political insecurity and injustice persist in much of the developing world.

“Ireland played a crucial role in negotiating the Sustainable Development Goals in 2015 so it is critical that we lead by example on achieving those aims. In particular tackling climate change must be central to our domestic plans.

“With our economy continuing to grow it is also now an opportune time to expand our commitment to overseas development aid. In last year’s Budget no extra resources were allocated to Irish Aid. Now is the time for Ireland to lead by example.

“As Ireland bids for a place on the UN Security Council it is important that the SDGs are central to our message to countries around the world.

“If our aim in that campaign is to have an impact on world affairs there can be no better purpose than seeking to transform our world by 2030 through the achievement of the 17 goals.”