Minister of State for European Affairs Thomas Byrne at OECD, Paris, 5-6 October 2021

The Minister of State for European Affairs Thomas Byrne TD, today travels to Paris where he will meet with his counterpart, France’s Secretary of State for European Affairs, Clément Beaune, ahead of attending the 2021 Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Ministerial Council Meeting (MCM). The meeting, chaired by the US, will mark the 60th anniversary of the OECD and Ministers will meet across a two day programme to address a number of topics under the theme of ‘Shared Values: Building a Green and Inclusive Future’. Ministers will also adopt a New Vision Statement to guide the OECD for the coming decade and a Global Relations Strategy to guide the OECD’s engagement with the wider global community.

Minister Byrne will take part in a number of sessions throughout the MCM, which focus on addressing the mid-long term challenges we face globally as we move towards a recovery phase following the global pandemic; addressing the climate crisis and promoting an inclusive transition to a net zero green future as well as ensuring a digital transition that creates opportunities for all in society. The Minister will participate in a discussion chaired by United States Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, during which Members will reflect on the role that OECD shared values - democracy, rule of law, human rights, and commitment to open and transparent market-economy principles - should play in shaping a green and inclusive future.

Speaking ahead of the MCM, Minister Byrne said:

"Ireland is a proud founding member of the OECD and the shared values on which the OECD were founded are as relevant today, if not more so, than they were 60 years ago. The principles we reaffirm today provide a solid foundation on which to build a green and inclusive future that will tackle inequalities and meet the needs of our citizens. The OECD has, and will continue to be, a steadfast global partner in building better policies for better lives."

The Minister continued:

"The COVID-19 pandemic has presented us with a challenge like none other. The most sustainable recovery will build on accepting the challenges and opportunities of the climate and digital transitions and ensuring that gender equality permeates all strata of our economies and societies. OECD values, standards and analysis will be powerful allies in ensuring the benefits of economic growth and development are felt globally."

The Minister will also take part in a group discussion on “Innovation and Inclusive Pathways to Net Zero”, Chaired by Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry, and will participate in a working lunch on “Promoting Trade for All” Chaired by US Trade Representative, Katherine Tai.

Notes

Ireland is a founding Member of the OECD, which now comprises of 38 member countries and the EU. The annual Ministerial Council Meeting (MCM) is the highest governance forum of the OECD. The mission of the OECD is to promote policies that will improve the economic and social well-being of people around the world - summed up in its slogan "Better Policies for Better Lives".

The OECD provides a forum in which governments can work together to share experiences and seek solutions to problems. The Organisation works with governments to understand what drives economic, social and environmental change. Drawing on innovative research, the OECD develops policies designed to improve the quality of peoples lives. It works with businesses and unions, and maintains active contacts with other civil society organisations.