IGHN together with RCSI and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade are hosting an event to present and discuss Ireland’s new International Development policy: A Better World as it relates to the opportunities and challenges for health. This follows on from a consultation meeting and submission made by IGHN on health during the consultation process.

Launched in February of this year, by the Taoiseach, Tanaiste and Minister of State for International Development, the policy provides the framework for Ireland’s expanding development cooperation programme, in line with the Government’s commitment to reaching the UN target of allocating 0.7% of our GNI to official development assistance by 2030.

Speaker: Nicola Brennan, Director of Policy, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Chaired by: Nadine Ferris-France, Executive Director, IGHN

Venue: Albert Hall, RCSI, 26 York Street, Dublin 2

Register here to be part of the discussion, and increase your understanding of what the new policy means for future implementation and research.

About the policy & health

The new policy focuses on four main areas:

– Improving gender inequality

– Reducing humanitarian need

– Climate action

– Strengthening governance

Within that, main intervention areas include: Protection, food and people (education, health and social protection).

We will strengthen our interventions in health, education and social protection to reach the furthest behind first. Aligning our work with SDGs 1 no poverty, SDG 3 good health and well-being, SDG 4 quality education and SDG 5 gender equality demonstrates continuity with Ireland’s strong focus on poverty reduction, health and education, especially for women and girls. SDG 10 reduced inequalities is another focus.

We will build effective institutions for inclusive outcomes, towards universal access to health, education and social protection. We will be guided by the need to address the gaps in education, health and nutrition, and overcoming social exclusion and discrimination. We will focus on the delivery of social services to the most vulnerable, with particular focus on improved outcomes for women and girls, minorities and the inclusion of people living with disabilities.