Ireland at the G20: February review

February was a busy month for Ireland’s engagement at the G20, with two Government Ministers taking part in gatherings in South Africa, as well as officials from across Government participating in working group and task force meetings.

The first Foreign Ministers’ meeting of South Africa’s Presidency took place in Johannesburg on February 20-21. Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Harris TD, travelled to South Africa to represent Ireland.

The purpose of the Foreign Ministers’ meeting is for countries to discuss G20 priorities and the wider global context.

The Tánaiste addressed the meeting, reiterating Ireland’s commitment to ensuring international law is at the heart of resolving conflicts globally, and calling for a renewed focus on inclusive economic growth and the delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The theme of South Africa’s G20 Presidency is ‘Solidarity, Equality, Sustainabiliy’. This aligns with Ireland’s international priorities. As the country which, along with Kenya, co-facilitated the SDG process, we strongly agree with South Africa’s aim to revitalise the drive towards achieving the SDGs.

The Tánaiste also held bilateral meetings with a number of his counterparts from countries including the UK, Brazil, Canada, Japan, Singapore, Nigeria, Mexico, South Africa, Türkiye, India and the UAE.

These bilateral engagements are important opportunities to strengthen relations between countries and discuss press global issues.

The next G20 Foreign Ministers meeting will take place during UN High Level Week in New York in September.

February also saw the first meeting of G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors. Ireland’s Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe TD, was joined at the meeting in Cape Town by the Governor of the Central Bank of Ireland, Gabriel Mahklouf.

This meeting discussed key issues such as macroeconomic co-operation, international financial architecture, infrastructure, sustainable finance, taxation, financial sector issues and financial inclusion.

G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors will meet again in April, July and October.

There are 22 working groups in the G20, each of which is attended by officials from across the G20 countries. The purpose of the working groups are to push forward agendas ranging from agriculture, the digital economy, climate sustainability, international tax, and empowerment of women. Each working group culminates with a Ministerial meeting.

February saw a number of working groups convened for the first time. Officials from participating countries, including Ireland, take part and put forward their country’s positions on a range of important topics.

The working group meetings held in February were: digital economy, education, women’s empowerment, employment, culture, research and innovation, and energy transitions.

Ireland’s engagement at the G20 is a cross-Government initiative, with several Government Departments leading various strands. Officials from Government departments in Ireland took part in February’s working group meetings to help shape the G20s agenda for the rest of the year.

As well as the 22 working groups, there are also three task forces that look at issues around artificial intelligence, inclusive economic growth, and food security. These task forces were also convened by teleconference in February, with officials from Ireland taking part in each.

March will see a continued focus on convening working group and task forces to help drive the G20 agenda. Ireland will continue to engage proactively and positively across all work streams to bring our positions, policies and values to the heart of the G20.