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Ireland at the UN General Assembly

Ireland will be engaging in key debates on conflict, climate, and other global challenges at UNGA (80th session).

What is the UN General Assembly?

The UN General Assembly (UNGA) is the main policy-making organ of the United Nations.

Almost every country in the world, 193 in total, has a voice and a vote on issues around peace, stability and sustainability.

Every September, World Leaders come together to debate and discuss issues that impact us all at the UNGA General Debate.

UNGA 2025 High-level Week

UN High Level Week 2025 took place this year 22 - 30 September. It marked the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations and comes at a time when multilateral systems are under unprecedented strain.

Conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, along with the need to reform the UN amid financial and political pressures, will dominate proceedings.

On 22 September, the High-Level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution was co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia.

The Conference reaffirmed international commitments to the two-State solution and sought to mobilise support for its implementation.

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What's Ireland's role at UNGA80?

Engagements during UN High-Level Week will provide an opportunity for Ireland to highlight our position on key foreign policy priorities including the Middle East/Gaza, Ukraine and Sudan, as well as to reiterate our commitment to the UN (on its 80th anniversary, and 70 years after Ireland joined), the multilateral system, and to highlight our forthcoming campaign for a seat on the Human Rights Council.

Ireland will be represented at High Level Week by the Taoiseach, Tánaiste, Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy Darragh O’Brien and Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora Neale Richmond.

Key priorities

High-Level Week will provide an opportunity for Ireland to highlight policy priorities including:

Middle East

With famine confirmed in parts of Gaza and projected to spread, Ireland will continue to push for an immediate ceasefire, release of all hostages and rapid, concrete measures to facilitate large-scale access for UNRWA and other UN actors, international NGOs and humanitarian partners.

Ireland reiterates its unwavering commitment to the vision of the two-state solution where two democratic States, Israel and Palestine, live side-by-side in peace within secure and recognised borders, consistent with international law and relevant UN resolutions, and in this regard stress the importance of unifying the Gaza Strip with the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority.

We will continue to engage with partners on the strong outcome from the UN High Level Conference on the Two State Solution in July and build on evolving positions, including on mutual recognition, regional security and condemnation of Hamas.

Ireland has provided over €82 million in humanitarian support for people in Palestine since October 2023. Over €29 million of this has been provided so far in 2025.

Ukraine

Ireland reiterates our unwavering support for Ukraine and its people in the face of continued Russian aggression. Russia must cease its aggression and Ukraine must be provided with strong and enduring guarantees for its future security.

High-Level Week provides opportunities to reiterate the global consequences of Russia’s aggression to the wider UN membership, and to build further support among global partners to increase pressure on Russia to halt its criminal attacks.

Ireland has stood in solidarity with the people of Ukraine since Russia launched its invasion. Ireland will announce further humanitarian support for the people of Ukraine during High Level Week.

UN Reform

Multilateralism is at the heart of Ireland’s foreign policy and is rooted in a deep commitment to the work of the UN. Ireland supports the UN Secretary General’s agenda to reinvigorate the United Nations.

We regret the decision of other donors to reduce funding to the UN, which has resulted in a significant funding crisis for the global development and humanitarian architecture. The UN reform process must look at how to respond to global needs in the face of reduced funding.

On the 80th anniversary of the UN, and the 70th anniversary of Ireland’s membership, this is an important opportunity to reaffirm Ireland’s commitment to the UN, the Sustainable Development Goals and to the reform of multilateralism.

Sudan

Ireland reiterates its long-standing call for an immediate ceasefire, the protection of civilians and accountability for crimes committed.

With over 150,000 people having been killed and a further 12 million displaced, Sudan is the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. Ireland has consistently used international engagements to highlight the plight of people in Sudan.

Ireland has provided approximately €25 million in humanitarian aid to Sudan since the start of 2024. We will announce a further package of support during High Level Week.

Human Rights Council campaign

Ireland is proud to be a loud and clear voice in support of human rights globally. We are running for a seat on the Human Rights Council for the 2027 – 2029 period. The election will take place in October 2026. If elected, membership of the Human Rights Council will enable us to continue our strong contribution to the maintenance and support of the UN’s Human Rights instruments and mechanisms.

News from Ireland at UNGA80 High-level Week

Ireland at the United Nations

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United Nations in New York

Permanent Mission of Ireland to the United Nations, New York

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United Nations in Geneva

Permanent Mission of Ireland to the United Nations, Geneva