Minister O’Brien Highlights Peace and Sustainable Development at G20 Ministerial

Darragh O’Brien, Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy, delivered a powerful address at the G20 Ministerial meeting held at the United Nations in New York.

Marking the 80th anniversary of the UN Charter, the Minister reaffirmed Ireland’s commitment to peace as essential for sustainable economic development.

Eight decades later the international legal order and multilateral system remains our greatest hope for a more peaceful, stable, prosperous world.

Minister O’Brien congratulated South Africa on its G20 Presidency under the themes of “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability,” and endorsed the European Union’s statement at the G20 Ministerial.

The Minister emphasised that the international legal order and multilateral system remain 'our strongest hope for peace, prosperity, and stability worldwide.'

Ireland at the UN General Assembly

Despite current challenges—including Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, conflicts across Africa such as Sudan, and widespread human rights violations—the UN Charter, O' Brien reminded, remains the guiding framework for global cooperation and justice.

Ireland, Minister O'Brien said, stands firmly against aggression and violations of international law and continues to advocate for ceasefires, humanitarian access, and respect for human rights.

The Minister underscored Ireland’s active role in multilateralism through diplomacy, peacekeeping, and humanitarian assistance.

In reference to Ireland's candidacy for a seat on the Human Rights Council (2027–2029), Minister O' Brien said: "In too many parts of the world, we see human rights undermined, growing inequality and lack of development, the promise of the SDGs unfulfilled, pushback against gender equality, and discrimination and worse against LGBTIQ+ persons and other minorities."

Drawing from Ireland’s own history of conflict resolution through dialogue and negotiation, Minister O’Brien stressed that global challenges need collective solutions supported by strong partnerships such as those fostered by the G20.

The common challenges we face whether it be climate change, conflict and fragility, violations of human rights, inequality, or lack of development, can only be solved through shared solutions.

The Minister pointed out that peace creates a stable environment that facilitates economic growth.

"These values have guided our active engagement in the work of the G20 this year as a guest country."