Humphreys to host major OECD conference

The Taoiseach will be among those attending a major international conference in Ballyconnell this week. The 13th OECD International Rural Development Conference will be held in the Slieve Russell Hotel as Ireland is hosting the latest event.

The theme of the conference is ‘Building Sustainable, Resilient and Thriving Rural Places’ and will be attended by hundreds of representatives from countries including the United States, Canada, Colombia, Czech Republic and Slovenia.

Discussions will take place on improving rural health, social inclusion and rural development policy.

Taking place from today (Wednesday) until Friday, the conference is being hosted by local TD and Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin will give the keynote address on Thursday, with Deputy Secretary General of the OECD, Yoshiki Takeuchi and European Commissioner Mairead McGuinness also involved in discussions.

Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue and Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities Joe O’Brien are also attending.

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development is a major international economic forum made up of 38 countries across Europe, North and South America and Asia.