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The Taoiseach has urged world leaders to take a multilateral approach to addressing the Covid-19 pandemic, saying that “even the strongest of us cannot succeed alone.”
Addressing a virtual meeting of the UN General Assembly, Micheál Martin said the pandemic has taken an immense toll on “our countries, our citizens, our economies and indeed our way of life.”
He said it has placed a particular burden on those least able to bear it: countries with weak health systems and civilian populations suffering from insecurity, displacement, conflict and poverty.
“The pandemic has also revealed the best in humanity: the heroic efforts of our frontline workers to provide essential care and services to those directly affected, the remarkable social cohesion, solidarity and civic responsibility of people around the world through from many months of restrictions and disruptions to life and livelihoods. “
In his first major foreign policy speech and his first speech on an international stage since becoming Taoiseach, he outlined Ireland’s priorities when he begins his two-year term on the UN Security Council in January.
This year’s General Assembly was held remotely, with heads of state and government from 196 countries delivering their national statements on pre-recorded videos.
The Taoiseach said: “This year’s United Nations General Assembly is meeting in the shadow of Covid-19.
“The virtual format reminds all of us 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, especially on those who have lost loved ones or contracted the virus and are suffering its long-lasting consequences.
“However, Covid-19 has also generated incredible motivation for people to work together to combat this fatal 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.
“In less than four months, Ireland will occupy a seat on the UN Security Council.
“We join the Council with strong principles and clear priorities: consolidating peace, strengthening prevention and ensuring accountability. These are at 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.”
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Simon Coveney has posted a short video on Twitter ahead of today’s General Assembly meeting.
He said the importance of nations working together has never been more apparent.
“This year, as we meet virtually due to COVID-19, the importance of nations working together has never been more apparent.”
How # UNGA75 go on mininster @SimonCoveney sets out the key principles that will guide Ireland’s engagement in the #Security Council 🇺🇳🇮🇪 pic.twitter.com/hF0t08bCb0
– Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ireland (@dfatirl) September 25, 2020
“Ireland will occupy a seat on the UN Security Council on January 1. We have always been engaged in the heart of the UN,” the minister said.
“With multilateralism under pressure, we will do our part to compromise openly, overcome divisions and defend peace.”
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