Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 September 2023
124. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which reform of the UN and its charter can be undertaken in the shorter term, given the many challenges presenting in recent times; if Ireland can make specific suggestions in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42078/23]
View answerRecent global crises such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the COVID-19 pandemic and the climate crisis have once again highlighted the need for a reformed UN. Ireland is making a positive impact across the work of the United Nations and is engaged in seeking reforms, including in support of the UN Secretary General’s efforts, and his vision on the future of global cooperation: ‘Our Common Agenda.’
This significant process is ongoing and will culminate in the Summit of the Future which the UN General Assembly agreed to hold on 22-23 September 2024. The Summit is as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to enhance cooperation on critical challenges and address gaps in global governance, reaffirm existing commitments including to the Sustainable Development Goals and the United Nations Charter, and move towards a reinvigorated multilateral system that is better positioned to positively impact people’s lives. An action-oriented Pact for the Future is expected to be agreed by Member States at the Summit through intergovernmental negotiations on issues they decide to take forward.
In addition, Ireland is a strong supporter of the reforms to the UN Development System (UNDS), considering them as essential for our global capacity to deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and build back better after COVID-19. UN Development System reforms of recent years are having an impact with stronger, more independent Resident Coordinators leading UN Country Teams, supported by coordinated analysis and planning. Ireland is a longstanding committed donor to the UN Development System, prioritising core funding.
The General Assembly considers reform of the Security Council through ongoing Intergovernmental Negotiations. Ireland is active in these and is consistently clear on the need to increase the size of the Security Council; to address geographic under-representation, particularly for Africa; and, to see an end to the use of the veto, particularly in cases of atrocity crimes.
There are significant challenges but we continue to push for change. Ireland was part of a core group of States, led by Liechtenstein, which brought the ‘veto initiative’ to the General Assembly in April 2022, where it was adopted by the wider membership. This now means that, whenever a veto is used, the General Assembly will automatically hold a debate, require the Council to submit a report and invite the Member State which used its veto to make a statement.
