Ministers have gathered at Climate Week NYC to reaffirm their commitment to urgent climate action and a just transition to net zero.

Northern Ireland's Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir, has travelled to New York alongside Gillian Martin Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy for the Scottish Government, and Huw Irranca-Davies Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs for the Welsh Government.

In a joint statement, the Ministers emphasised the importance of working together to achieve shared UK-wide goals, despite the unique challenges and priorities facing each nation.

The ministers highlighted the need for immediate action to address the climate crisis and the importance of ensuring that the transition to a low-carbon economy is fair and equitable for all. They pledged to share knowledge and experience to support each other's efforts to reduce emissions, build climate resilience, and create the conditions for real, lasting, and fair change across the UK.

The ministers expressed their anticipation for collaborating with the Ministerial team to further drive climate action throughout the nation. Climate Week NYC provided a platform for ministers to showcase the UK's commitment to climate leadership and to inspire others to join the fight against climate change.

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Andrew Muir, Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for the Northern Ireland Executive, said: "I am delighted to be able to join my Scottish and Welsh Ministerial colleagues this year to attend New York Climate Week as a member of the Under 2 Coalition. Climate change is one of my top priorities. Attending this key event enables us to put Northern Ireland on the global stage and engage with others about ways to both tackle and grasp the opportunities arising from climate change."

Deputy First Minister of the Welsh Government, Huw Irranca-Davies said: "This needs to be the decade of action. We are showing leadership and commitment by setting our ambitious targets, but it's time to focus on action and the wider benefits of taking action such as clean air, better homes and places to live and work. I am pleased to have the opportunity to showcase Wales's success stories, and to connect with colleagues in Governments across the world to share solutions and work together towards this most important goal."

Gillian Martin, Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy for the Scottish Government said: "It is time to move from ambition to action and I am honoured to be here to further build influence of devolved states and regional governments within the international climate debate all whilst having a strong focus on capacity building. I believe Devolved Administrations can learn from each other as we accelerate a just transition to net zero. There was a real impetus amongst us all today to continue these conversations ahead of COP29. Scotland has a unique opportunity as Under 2 European co-chair and Regions4 president to continue championing other subnational governments."

During their visit to New York, Cabinet Secretaries and Ministers will be attending a range of events and engagements which will include meeting with Ministers, Heads of States, Governors and business leaders.