Dóchas and ATD as associate member welcomed on Monday 20th October, the announcement that Ireland, alongside Kenya, would lead international negotiations on a new global development strategy to succeed the Millennium Development Goals, which will come to an end in 2015.
Ireland and Kenya were jointly appointed this weekend by the UN General Assembly, to co-facilitate negotiations which will agree a new set of global development goals, for adoption at a summit of world leaders in New York in September 2015.
The new goals will set targets for the eradication of global poverty and hunger along with targets for addressing other global issues such as climate change, human rights, health and education.
Ireland’s role will be led by the Ambassador to the United Nations, David Donoghue.
Sharan Kelly, Chairperson of Dóchas and CEO of overseas development agency TearfundIreland, said: “This is a huge opportunity for Ireland as it means that we can take the forefront, in partnership with Kenya, on what is one of the most pressing agendas for the future of our world. This appointment points to Ireland’s considerable international reputation and to our political and diplomatic standing, which is largely down to our role in overseas aid and our human rights work. “
Dóchas also said that it would be important that as Ireland takes co-lead in these negotiations, it should ensure its own commitments to the eradication of poverty and hunger are met.
Hans Zomer, Director of Dóchas, said: “This new global framework is going to be binding for all UN Member states. This is important as to-date rich countries have failed to honour their commitments on aid and fairer trade under the existing agreement. Ireland has now been put in a leadership position and it should lead by example and achieve its overseas aid and climate change targets.“
So far ATD International contributed to the debates in New York and produced a report including 5 recommendations for the post-2015 development priorities. The full report and executive summary are available for download.
ATD Ireland and ATD International is looking forward to work with the Irish representatives, who alongside delegates from Kenya, will now lead international negotiations on the new global development strategy.
