Ireland at the UN
Membership of the United Nations is central to Ireland’s foreign policy
Our membership of the UN has been central to Ireland's foreign policy since we joined in 1955.
The principles and values enshrined in the UN Charter are those we have always striven to promote.
Permanent Mission of Ireland to the United Nations:
The UN has a key role in addressing the challenges of today: climate change; global poverty; defending human rights; eliminating the threat posed by nuclear weapons; providing peacekeeping in conflict zones; promoting gender equality; and responding to humanitarian crises caused by natural disasters or conflicts.
For more information on Ireland’s wider work across the UN please see Peace and Security, Peacekeeping, International Development, and Human Rights.
UN General Assembly
The UN General Assembly (UNGA) comes together once a year to debate and discuss issues that affect us all.
Almost every country in the world (193 in total) - from the largest to the smallest – has a voice and a vote on issues around peace, stability and sustainability.
UNGA 78
This global forum, to which Ireland is deeply committed, took place this year from 17 - 22 September 2023.
Our foreign policy is rooted in a belief in multilateralism. UNGA is a key international moment for Ireland. It is a vital forum for debating, discussing and agreeing ways to build a more peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world.
UNGA78 takes place as Ireland marks ‘100 years of Peace Building’, a centenary of its membership of the League of Nations. This momentous moment saw Ireland take its place among the nations of the world.
A deep commitment to working with countries globally in the spirit of cooperation and mutual respect has defined Ireland’s engagement with the world ever since.
UN Security Council 2021-2022
Ireland served on the UN Security Council for the 2021-2022 term.
Our two-year term was underpinned by three core principles:
- Building peace, including strengthening UN peacekeeping and peacebuilding globally
- Strengthening conflict prevention, by addressing factors that drive conflict
- Ensuring accountability, working to end impunity for those responsible for serious violations of international humanitarian and human rights law.
Ireland has lived up to its pledge to be an inclusive, ambitious, and responsive Security Council member. Measuring our performance on the Council by our core principles and our values, here are critical examples where Ireland made a real difference.
UN Director, Elizabeth McCullough:
"We can be very proud of how we have worked together, across the department and network, and what we have achieved.
Ireland has had a really positive impact on the work of the Security Council, and I would like to thank colleagues for their important contribution."
>> View Ireland’s statements at meetings of the UN Security Council.
Country and thematic issues
Click on each panel to watch each individual chapter in video format.
Standing with Ukraine
Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine was a dominant issue during Ireland’s term on the Security Council.
Supporting peace in Colombia
Ireland supported all those working towards durable and sustainable reconciliation in Colombia.
Demanding accountability in Afghanistan
Our leadership on Afghanistan had a strong human rights and women’s participation perspective.
Focussing on Women, Peace and Security (WPS)
Mainstreaming the Women, Peace and Security Agenda has been a constant in all of Ireland’s work on the Council
Shining a light on the protection of journalists
When Shireen Abu Akleh was killed in Jenin, Ireland decided to shine a light on the issue of the protection of journalists.
Ensuring lifesaving humanitarian assistance in Syria
Ireland and Norway successfully led negotiations on the renewal of the vital Syria Humanitarian cross-border resolution
Pushing the envelope on climate and security
Working with Niger, Ireland chaired the Council’s expert group on climate and security in 2021.
Ireland’s Security Council priorities
Read more detail about Ireland's priorities and impact in these areas.