Ireland is set to use its 2026 EU Council Presidency to reinforce international climate cooperation as Ministers Darragh O’Brien and Timmy Dooley attend high-level United Nations meetings in New York. The discussions will focus on clean energy, climate finance, ocean observation and preparations for COP31.
Climate Action Takes Centre Stage at UN General Assembly
According to a gov.ie press release published by the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O’Brien and Minister of State for the Marine Timmy Dooley will represent Ireland and the Council of the European Union during UN General Assembly High-Level Week.
The meetings are an important milestone ahead of COP31, which will take place in Antalya, Türkiye, from 9 to 20 November 2026. Ireland is expected to lead the EU delegation at the climate conference, with a focus on maintaining climate multilateralism and advancing the goals of the Paris Agreement.
Clean energy transition and energy security
Minister O’Brien will convene EU ministers in New York to discuss a coordinated strategy before COP31. Key priorities include accelerating renewable energy, improving climate adaptation, mobilising finance for vulnerable communities and delivering practical progress on existing international commitments.
His programme also includes UN and International Energy Agency events on energy transitions and clean cooking. These discussions will examine how countries can expand energy access while improving affordability, energy sovereignty and security.
The Minister is also scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with governments, businesses and civil society representatives before travelling to Washington for further engagements with members of the House of Representatives and other stakeholders.
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Marine policy and ocean observation on Ireland’s agenda
Minister Dooley will represent Irish interests across marine and wider international policy discussions. His agenda includes ocean observation, sea-level rise, pandemic preparedness and the transition away from fossil fuels.
Ireland will support the European Commission-led Ocean Eye initiative, which aims to strengthen global ocean knowledge and integrate observation capabilities across research institutions, industry and international networks. The initiative reflects the growing importance of reliable marine data for climate science, coastal planning and maritime policy.
Minister Dooley will also deliver Ireland’s national statements on sea-level rise and pandemic preparedness. He is due to attend a United Nations summit on climate change and a just transition, alongside other meetings addressing the marine environment.
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Ireland’s EU Presidency and the road to COP31
Ireland holds the Presidency of the Council of the EU from 1 July to 31 December 2026. The presidency provides an opportunity to coordinate European positions on climate policy while supporting the EU’s wider priorities of competitiveness, values and security.
The UN General Assembly’s 81st session brings together all 193 UN member states. Its 2026 general debate, themed “Restoring trust, managing transformation: a United Nations that delivers for all”, will address major international issues, including climate change and sustainable development.
Conclusion
Ireland’s participation at the UN General Assembly places climate action, clean energy and ocean protection at the centre of its EU leadership role. The outcome of these discussions will help shape Europe’s approach to COP31, where implementation of the Paris Agreement and faster delivery of the clean energy transition will remain central priorities.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie
