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The Covid-19 pandemic has taken its toll on society, particularly on those who have lost loved ones to the virus, the Taoiseach said.
Micheál Martin said that the pandemic had affected “all communities in all countries and, indeed, our entire way of life.”
Martin made the remarks before his speech at the 75th annual meeting of the United Nations General Assembly on Saturday.
This year’s General Assembly is held remotely, and the heads of state and government of 196 countries deliver their statements via pre-recorded video messages.
In an interconnected and interdependent world, even the strongest cannot succeed alone
“This year’s United Nations General Assembly is meeting in the shadow of Covid-19,” Martin said.
“The virtual format reminds us all of the need to keep our distance and limit our contacts; practices that are so simple yet have the power to help us stop this deadly virus.
“This pandemic has affected all communities in all countries and, indeed, our entire way of life.
“It has taken its toll on society, particularly those who have lost loved ones or contracted the virus and are suffering its lasting consequences.”
But he said the pandemic had also sparked “incredible motivation for people to work together to combat this deadly virus.”
“The pandemic reminds us that multilateral responses to global challenges remain essential.
“In an interconnected and interdependent world, even the strongest cannot succeed alone,” said the Taoiseach.
Ireland is poised to take a seat on the UN Security Council next year.
“We join the Council with strong principles and clear priorities: build peace, strengthen prevention and ensure accountability,” he said.
“These are the core of the Council’s mandate.
“Ireland has a strong and proud record of UN peacekeeping and I am confident that we will be at the forefront in promoting the core values of building and maintaining international peace and security.”
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