New York, 9 February 2023 (TDI): Ireland and Qatar co-chaired a session to achieve the SDG Summit’s Political Declaration goals.
Qatar’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani, inaugurated the first governmental consultation session. This session was on drafting a political declaration for the Sustainable Development Goals Summit.
In her opening session speech, she stressed the importance of holding the Sustainable Development Goals Summit in September 2023.
She stated that the SDG is the middle of the road toward the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development. It is a valuable opportunity to assess the international community’s performance and provide guidance.
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She noted that the summit would be an opportunity to address shortcomings and make recommendations to accelerate sustainable development goals.
She said the Sustainable Development Goals Summit’s political declaration is expected to meet high expectations. New challenges have arisen since 2019 that making the situation more urgent.
She emphasized the significance of the political declaration’s adoption by consensus to reflect the commitment of the international community to put the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development into practice.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
In 2015, the United Nations adopted 17 global goals called the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Sustainable Development Goals Summit will be held on September 18-19 this year before the UN General Assembly’s 78th session (UNGA).
The SDGs aim to end poverty, protect the planet, and guarantee peace and prosperity for all. International governmental consultation sessions invite governments to discuss and coordinate SDG efforts.
World leaders, civil society leaders, business executives, and young activists will attend this summit. Political figures will pledge to achieve the SDGs by 2030 in the Political Declaration of the SDG Summit.
Qatar-Ireland Ties
Qatar and Ireland have a relatively short history of bilateral relations. However, in recent years both countries have sought to strengthen their ties and expand cooperation in various fields.
Despite their distance, Qatar and Ireland are eager to explore trade, investment, education, and cultural collaboration. Ireland strongly supports Qatar’s efforts to diversify its economy and reduce its dependence on hydrocarbon exports.
Many Irish companies have been established in Qatar. Qatar has invested in Ireland, particularly in real estate and financial services. Ireland has a large expatriate community in Qatar.
Qatar-Ireland cooperation has also focused on education. In recent years, several Irish universities and educational institutions have collaborated with Qatari universities and organizations to promote academic exchange and collaboration.
Trinity College Dublin and Qatar Foundation for Education, Science, and Community Development signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on research, training, and student exchange programs.
Both nations are dedicated to cultural exchange and awareness. Qatar and Ireland have promoted their cultural heritage through artist exchanges, cultural festivals, and enhanced individual exchanges.
Politically, Ireland has supported Qatar’s efforts to promote regional stability and security and resolve the Gulf crisis. Ireland supports Qatar’s human rights and migrant worker initiatives.
