Our Rural Future: Ireland to host major OECD International Rural Development Conference in 2022

‘Building Sustainable, Resilient and Thriving Rural Places’

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has today announced that Ireland will host the 13th OECD International Rural Development Conference in 2022.

The Conference will bring more than 250 delegates including Ministers, policy-makers and practitioners from right across the OECD region to Ireland to consider the theme of ‘Building Sustainable, Resilient and Thriving Rural Places’.

It is the first time that Ireland has hosted such a conference and follows on from the publication of the Government’s rural development policy, Our Rural Future.

Announcing the Conference, Minister Humphreys said:

“Ireland is fully committed to sustainable and inclusive rural development and hosting this significant International Conference in next year is a further demonstration of Ireland’s leadership in this area.

“The publication of ‘Our Rural Future’ earlier this year was a milestone moment for rural development in Ireland. It situates rural development as being central to our national economic, social and environmental wellbeing.

“This Conference is an opportunity for Ireland to host discussions between OECD Members on how to advance our shared ambitions for rural areas, sharing Ireland’s experience and learning from others across the OECD region.

Welcoming Ireland’s decision to host the Conference, the Deputy Secretary General of the OECD Yoshiki Takeuchi said

“I warmly welcome Ireland’s decision to host the 13th Rural Development Conference on Building Sustainable, Resilient and Thriving Rural Places in 2022. As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to ensure that all people and places, including rural regions, benefit from the recovery. The Conference is a unique forum for policy makers to engage in dialogue and exchange best practices for rural development.”

More details about the Conference, including registration related information, will be available early in 2022.

The event is intended to be held in person subject to prevailing public health guidelines.

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