Ireland’s place in the world

Since the foundation of the State, Ireland has demonstrated its capacity to exert influence and make a distinctive contribution on the international stage. As an island nation, we value and depend on effective connections with other countries’ governments, businesses, administrations and citizens.

A number of milestones occurred in 2023:

- The centenary of Ireland’s joining the League of Nations

- 50 Years of Ireland in the EU

- The 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.

• We are one of the most outward-looking, globalised nations in the world. Our exports are at record levels and we are one of the world’s most competitive locations for inward investment, with over 300,000 people employed by almost 1,700 IDA-supported foreign multinationals.
• Our diaspora is estimated at more than 70 million people worldwide and our distinctive culture and heritage are recognised and renowned throughout the world.
• Ireland has been a committed member of the European Union for 50 years, with strong ongoing relationships with the UK and US.
• Membership of the United Nations has been central to Ireland’s foreign policy since we became a member in 1955. Ireland most recently served on the UN Security Council for the 2021-2022 term. This was Ireland’s fourth term on the Security Council, having previously served in 1961, 1981-1982, and 2001-2002.
• Ireland's Defence Forces serve with distinction in UN and EU peacekeeping missions, including in the Lebanon and Mali.
• Ireland's Official Development Assistance (ODA) is delivered through Irish Aid and other programmes, in close cooperation with international partners and our exceptional NGOs, as part of the wider Irish footprint in the world.
• Ireland is a member of a number of International Financial Institutions, including the IMF, the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, European Investment Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and the Council of Europe Development Bank. Our membership of such institutions allows us to actively participate in globally significant policy discussions, and to strengthen our political and economic ties to increasingly important regions.

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