Taoiseach Simon Harris and Tánaiste Micheál Martin to Address Global Conflicts at UN General Assembly

Taoiseach Simon Harris and Tánaiste Micheál Martin are scheduled to discuss critical global conflicts in the Middle East, Ukraine, and Sudan during the United Nations General Assembly in New York this week.

Both leaders will participate in several days of high-level engagements starting on Sunday.

Ireland’s President, Michael D. Higgins, will also play a prominent role, delivering a speech at the UN Summit of the Future on Sunday. In his address, Mr. Higgins stresses the importance of food security in Africa and advocates for a revitalised United Nations.

He will join Mr Harris and Mr Martin, along with other global leaders, at the opening of the annual high-level general debate on Tuesday.

Mr. Harris is scheduled to attend the Summit of the Future, where he will co-chair one of four interactive dialogues and participate in high-level events focusing on the Middle East and Ukraine.

He is also set to hold bilateral meetings with world leaders, including UN Secretary-General António Guterres.

Speaking ahead of the UN events, Mr Harris highlighted his concerns about the escalating crisis in the Middle East, emphasising the need for an immediate ceasefire and a deal to release hostages.

“The humanitarian situation in Gaza is catastrophic,” he said, calling for a dramatic increase in humanitarian assistance and the protection of UN and other humanitarian workers.

He urged all parties to exercise restraint to prevent further regional escalation.

Mr. Harris also noted that Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine and the conflict in Sudan would be critical points of discussion during his meetings.

Referring to his recent visit to Kyiv, where he met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Mr Harris described the war in Ukraine as a critical issue that will be raised at the assembly.

Tánaiste Micheál Martin echoed Mr Harris’s sentiments, emphasising the significance of the UN General Assembly as a pivotal moment for Ireland on the world stage. “This is a key international moment for Ireland and indeed the world,” Mr. Martin said.

He expressed his commitment to collaborating with allies and those with differing perspectives to find solutions for a more peaceful, just, and sustainable world.

Mr Martin is expected to attend a working dinner on Sunday with other ministers to discuss the Middle East hosted by the International Peace Institute. On Tuesday, he will participate in the opening ceremony of the UN General Assembly and engage in a series of bilateral meetings with foreign ministers to address urgent global issues.

Both Irish leaders’ participation at the UN underscores Ireland’s commitment to addressing international conflicts and promoting diplomatic solutions in a rapidly evolving global landscape.