Global Ireland Schools Programme
From Department of Foreign Affairs
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Foreign Affairs
Published on
Last updated on
The 2023 Global Ireland Schools Programme will take place tomorrow, Thursday 26 October. Heads of Irish Diplomatic Missions abroad as well as Defence Forces Peacekeepers will visit secondary schools around the country to have conversations with students about Ireland’s role in the world and the work they do overseas.
The Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Minister for Defence Michéal Martin said:
"The Global Ireland Schools programme is a great opportunity for secondary school students to learn about the work of our diplomats and peacekeepers around the world. Ireland has proven itself to have a strong impact on the international stage and this programme can help inspire students to better understand global issues and how Ireland plays a significant role in meeting these challenges.”
The visits will give students the opportunity to learn about Ireland’s engagement overseas from the point of view of both senior diplomats and Defence Forces Peacekeepers. 229 schools have engaged with the programme since its launch by the Taoiseach in December 2018.
The Irish Defence Forces will also contribute to the Global Ireland Schools Initiative 2023. This provides an opportunity to educate students and give an insight into the unique role that is carried out by Irish Defence Forces Peacekeepers serving with the UN on overseas missions. Irish Peacekeepers have been at the forefront of advancing the cause of peace worldwide ever since 1960, and Ireland proudly boasts the record of having the longest unbroken overseas service of any nation serving with the UN. The Irish Defence Forces currently have 560 personnel deployed in 11 separate missions globally.
This programme concludes a 4-day series of events and engagements beginning on Monday, 23 October, with the Department of Foreign Affairs’ annual Heads of Mission conference. The 2023 Global Ireland Summit took place on Tuesday 24 October. This programme of events is informed by the Global Ireland Strategy, the government’s strategy to double the scope and impact of Ireland’s global footprint by 2025.