Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 September 2023
33. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he sees the need for change and improvements in the structure and operation of the United Nations in order to meet any challenges of the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41804/23]
View answer34. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will outline the progress being made in reforming the operation of the United Nations. [41750/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 33 and 34 together.
Recent 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 included a proposal to hold a Summit of the Future which the UN General Assembly welcomed and agreed to hold the Summit on 22-23 September 2024. An action-oriented Pact for the Future is expected to be agreed by Member States 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.
