Minister Fleming meets with Global South board members of Irish NGOs

Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Sean Fleming T.D., today launched a new initiative that will see twice yearly meetings between the Minister and Irish NGO board members from the Global South.

Minister Fleming today met with 13 board members of Irish NGOs who are from the Global South. The meeting was attended by board members from Action Aid Ireland, Christian Aid Ireland, Concern Worldwide, Front Line Defenders, Oxfam, Self Help Africa, Sightsavers and Trócaire.

Minister Fleming said:

“Irish Aid supports our civil society partners who work in communities throughout the Global South. It is important to hear the voices of people from the Global South who are members of the boards of our partners. We had an excellent conversation about promoting locally-led development and the importance of diversity. We agreed that we would meet twice a year to further those discussions. The role of board member is exceptionally important. Good governance and board diversity, including representation from the Global South, is vital. I look forward to further engagement with this dynamic group of people. These meetings will be part of our ongoing engagement with Irish NGOs who do such vital work.”

Ireland has a strong, active civil society dedicated to global development and humanitarian response. The Government, through Irish Aid, works with these NGOs in partnership, to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Strengthening locally led action, through supporting and empowering local communities in the Global South and promoting and enabling the work of civil society is important to these partnerships.

ENDS

Press Office

17 April 2024