Press release
Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney addresses UN Security Council meeting on Climate
From Department of Foreign Affairs
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Foreign Affairs
Published on
Last updated on
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Coveney TD, today spoke at a UN Security Council meeting chaired by the United Kingdom on addressing climate related risks to international peace and security.
Speaking at an online meeting of the Council, the Minister highlighted how the impacts of climate change can undermine international peace and security and the importance of Security Council engagement on the matter to achieve a more peaceful world:
"It is clear that climate change is already causing upheaval, affecting peace and security and the stability of societies. […] Ireland’s core message today is that the inclusion of climate in Security Council discussions and actions will strengthen conflict prevention and support peacebuilding efforts."
Minister Coveney outlined the importance of the climate and security agenda to Ireland’s tenure on the Security Council, noting that as co-chair of the Informal Expert Group on Climate and Security with Niger, Ireland hopes to shape discussions on climate and security at the UN.
The Minister explained that Ireland will take a pragmatic approach, working to strengthen climate considerations within peacekeeping operations and ensuring that analysis of the impact on young people, women and girls is included in discussions and decisions.
Minister Coveney emphasised the importance of global co-operation on the issue:
"The world’s response to the climate emergency can also be a cause for hope. The vast majority of UN member States wish to work together to ensure that we address one of the greatest challenges humanity has ever faced. We can and must work in a way that addresses the threats to global peace and security from climate change, enhancing global cooperation as we do so."
The meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, is one of the signature events of the United Kingdom’s Presidency of the Council in the month of February.
President Macron of France and US Special Envoy on Climate, John Kerry, also participated along with Heads of Government, Foreign Ministers and Climate Envoys.
Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, and Ms. Nisreen Elsaim, youth civil society representative and Chair of the UN Youth Advisory Group, briefed the Council. Sir David Attenborough also delivered opening remarks.
The meeting is available to view on UN Web TV: webtv.un.org.