Tánaiste concludes G20 Foreign Ministers’ meeting with a focus on inclusive economic growth

Tánaiste Simon Harris has concluded his participation at the G20 Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Johannesburg where he held a dozen bilateral meetings over the last two days.

Addressing the meeting he called for a renewed focus on inclusive economic growth and the delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals.

The final formal session of the two-day Foreign Ministers’ meeting focused on setting the agenda for the G20 for the rest of the year.

The Tánaiste also held bilateral meetings with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Brazil’s Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira, Canada’s Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly, Japan’s Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi, Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, Nigeria’s Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar, Mexico’s Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs María Teresa Mercad Pérez, and South Africa’s Minister for International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola.

The Tánaiste said:

“The first African Presidency of the G20 marks a significant moment for African leadership in global economic governance. At a time of economic uncertainty, it is vital that we look not only at how to maintain growth but how to ensure that growth is inclusive. Forums such as the G20 are vital for building inclusive decision-making on the global financial architecture.

“Ireland’s participation provides us an important opportunity to help resolve global challenges through the G20. Particular areas of focus for Irish engagement at the G20 throughout 2025 will include global food security, harnessing innovation for inclusive growth, and climate financing and the energy transition.

“Ireland also strongly supports South Africa’s aim to revitalise the drive towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Ireland is proud of its long and ongoing commitment to the SDGs. They remain our best roadmap for sustainable development and transforming our world for the better. As progress is significantly off-course, there is an urgency now, with only five years to go, that we steer ourselves back towards delivering the Goals.”

On his bilateral engagements at the G20, the Tánaiste said:

“I welcome the opportunity to meet with Foreign Ministers to discuss global challenges and Ireland’s position on a range of issues. Yesterday I met with my European counterparts, as well as the Foreign Minister of Türkiye and the UAE’s Deputy Foreign Minister. Today I met with counterparts from the UK, Brazil, Canada, Japan, Singapore, Nigeria, Mexico and South Africa.

“Having the opportunity to speak directly with Foreign Ministers from the diverse range of countries represented at the G20 is a welcome opportunity to promote Ireland, our policies and our values.”