In a globalized world, ‘we must live in each other’s shelter, not shadow,’ Ireland tells UN
Expressing his faith in the United Nations and its commitment to responding to challenges such as the disasters presently plaguing Latin America and the Caribbean, Simon Coveney, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, said that and other issues require the UN to “move from debate to action.”
Strong partnerships, he told the General Assembly, would remain at the core of Ireland’s approach in working together for a peaceful and prosperous future, and he stressed that as international issues – from climate change to migration – increasingly intersect, “there are not unilateral solutions to these problems.”
The key to tackling global issues collaboratively, he continued, lies in the 2030 Agenda and its attendant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which together have the power and potential to transform the world.
Turning to efforts to reduce threats of violence and nuclear weapons, he said Ireland unreservedly condemns the series of missile tests by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), urging the country to de-escalate the conflict between the DPRK and the United States.
Part of peacekeeping means providing humanitarian assistance and contributing to international efforts, Mr. Conveney said, and explained how investing in youth will ensure a sustainable future. “We have a phrase in Irish […] which, broadly translated, states “praise the youth and they will come.”
He highlighted the prominence of this statement, particularly relevant to Africa, and expressed commitment to building a partnership with that continent, as well as pursuing other international relationships.
Mr. Conveney concluded his speech with a message on coexistence: “In today’s globalized world we must live in each other’s shelter, not shadow.”