Taoiseach Simon Harris attending United Nations General Assembly
- Foilsithe: 22 Meán Fómhair 2024
- An t-eolas is déanaí: 12 Aibreán 2025
Taoiseach is in New York for the United Nations General Assembly High Level week where the Middle East and Ukraine will be top of the agenda.
Taoiseach Simon Harris is travelling to New York today (Sunday 22 September) for three days of engagements for the United Nations General Assembly’s High Level week. He will attend the Summit of the Future, co-chairing one of four interactive dialogues, and the opening of the General Assembly as well as high-level events related to the situation in the Middle East and in Ukraine. The Taoiseach will also hold a number of bilateral meetings with other leaders, including with the UN Secretary General António Guterres. He will also have Irish community and economic engagements.
Speaking ahead of his attendance, the Taoiseach said:
“I am looking forward to visiting New York for the United Nations General Assembly where my focus will be on the grave situation in the Middle East. The immediate priority of the international community must be an immediate ceasefire and hostage release deal. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is catastrophic. A dramatic scaling up of humanitarian assistance is urgently needed. The safety of UN and other humanitarian workers must be adequately protected. All efforts must be made to prevent escalation in the region and I call on all sides to practice restraint.
“Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine will also be top of agenda. Ireland has been clear in our unwavering support for the Ukrainian people, and for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. In my meetings, I will be urging all countries to support President Zelenskyy’s Peace Plan and efforts towards a just and lasting peace in Ukraine that is based on the principles of the UN Charter. In the meantime, we must do all we can to support Ukraine to defend itself against Russian aggression.
“I will also discuss with partners the devastating situation in Sudan, a conflict that deserves more attention from the international community. We are working closely with our EU and international partners to demand a ceasefire, humanitarian access, protection of civilians, and accountability for human rights abuses.
“I am also looking forward to attending the Summit of the Future and co-chairing a dialogue on enhancing multilateralism for international peace and security. On the eve of the 75th anniversary of the United Nations and as the world faces unprecedent challenges and threats, this Summit must reinvigorate the multilateral system. The UN charter is the prism through which we shape our foreign policy. This Summit is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to enhance global cooperation, reaffirm commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals, and reform multilateralism.”
ENDS