Ireland Reaffirms Commitment to Food Security at G20 Ministerial Meeting in Cape Town

In his address to the the G20 Food Security Task Force Ministerial Meeting in Cape Town, South Africa, Ireland's Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine affirmed the Irish Government's strong support for the Ministerial Declaration.

Minister Noel Grealish highlighted the urgency of tackling food insecurity amid global crises and said the spirit of Ubuntu – “I am because we are” – should serve as a guiding principle for collaborative action.

The priority afforded to food security within South Africa’s Presidency resonates deeply with Ireland’s values and priorities.

The Minister added that "Ireland strongly supports equitable, innovative, and sustainable solutions to food security and recognizes the fundamental human right to food."

The alignment between the G20 Task Force priorities and the Kampala Declaration on building resilient agri-food systems, the Minister said, further underscores Ireland’s commitment to fostering climate-resilient and nutritious food systems over the coming decade.

Minister Grealish also praised efforts to promote transparent and rule-based trading systems.

Strengthening regional economic integration and market access will be critical to enhancing food and nutrition security, promoting local food varieties, and building climate resilience.

He commended South Africa’s leadership during its G20 Presidency and emphasized Ireland’s commitment to leaving no one behind in international development efforts.

Minister Grealish said Ireland looks forward to continued close cooperation with South Africa and G20 partners to advance inclusive development goals that ensure sustainable food security for all.