13th OECD International Rural Development Conference Minister Humphreys’ Closing Remarks

Deputy Secretary General, Ministers, Colleagues, Ladies and Gentlemen,

As we approach the end of our discussions here in the beautiful surrounds of the Slieve Russell Hotel in Co Cavan, in the heartland of rural Ireland, I want to thank you all for your active participation and engagement over the past two days.

The breadth and depth of debate has been extraordinary.

It has been great to have such diverse participation including Government representatives, senior policy makers, civil society, academia, and other key allies of rural areas here bringing varied and valuable views to the table.

I am delighted to see that despite the diversity of experiences across the OECD region, we have a huge amount in common.

There is a clear commitment across all the OECD member states to work collectively to respond to the challenges faced and to exploit the opportunities presenting in a changed world.

There is strength in our diversity.

Our discussions have also reaffirmed the vital role rural communities have in building a sustainable and inclusive future. This underscores the need for Government to support communities to become resilient so we can face the challenges together and build on the opportunities.

Importantly, we must work with all communities, including those living in remote, peripheral or island areas, indigenous or minority groups or other vulnerable populations. We can’t afford to leave anyone behind.

As I said at the outset, Sustainable rural development is a high priority for Ireland. We want rural areas to be vibrant and thriving places to live in, where diversity is embraced, where quality jobs are provided and areas that are seen as places of opportunity.

Clearly, this ambition is shared across all member states.

The Cavan OECD Rural Policy Roadmap that we have agreed today is testament to that.

The Roadmap not only provides a blueprint for OECD action in this area which is complementary to its broader work on economic and social development, but it will assist all member states in creating sustainable, resilient and thriving rural places.

I want to congratulate my fellow Ministers for your leadership in helping us to publish this important Roadmap today, and I want to emphasise Ireland’s commitment to its content.

Ladies and gentlemen,

To address the serious challenges we are faced with requires that we work together, right across society and the economy.

Industry, SMEs and Social Enterprises in rural are not just providers of jobs and generators of impact – they are drivers of innovation.

The more that we can support a diversified rural enterprise base – which empowers community business and remote workers - the more potential we have to attract people to rural areas and to seize opportunities associated with the green and digital transitions for rural communities.

And on that point, we must recognise that farmers are not only guardians of our natural environment, they can be champions of innovation and sustainability.

We of course need to continue to bridge the digital divide between rural and urban areas. This is critical to support business development and to foster equality and social inclusion. Better broadband and more remote work facilities opens up career and educational opportunities and widens people’s choice about living or returning to their local area.

But real change can only be achieved by empowering communities and seizing the enormous social capital within those communities. This is especially important as we deal with the implications of climate change, which will require profound changes in terms of how we live our lives and how we do business.

Local communities are best placed to know what is most important to them and most needed for their local area.

This requires an inclusive approach to rural development, ensuring everyone in society is brought with us. This means looking at the situation of women, young people, LGBTI+ communities, people with disabilities and disadvantaged groups, minorities and new arrivals to see how their needs can be addressed and how they can be empowered to shape a better future for everyone.

Multilateralism is essential too. We have seen clearly this week how much we can learn from one another.

The will and commitment of all in this room to that approach is evident and that bodes well for the future of our rural communities.

Dear friends,

Many of you have travelled long distances to be with us this week, so I want to sincerely thank you once again.

Indeed, I want to thank all delegates, speakers and moderators, the young people who joined us for the youth panel and in the audience, the staff of the Slieve Russell for looking after us so well over the past few days, and to Sean Magee who played for us last night and the fabulous Accora Orchestra who will play for us this evening.

Sincere thanks to my co-host Deputy Secretary General Takeuchi, the OECD Rural Policy Working Party and to the entire OECD team for their partnership in delivering this important event.

And, thanks also to my DRCD team.

For those of you participating in the cultural tours tomorrow, I hope you enjoy Ireland’s wonderful scenery and landmarks and wish you all home safe.

It has been my pleasure to host this event and I look forward to seeing you again soon.

Thank you.

ENDS