Ireland takes its non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council today.
After securing the seat back in June by way of a UN vote, the two-year membership period begins today.
Ireland looks set to reside within an instrumental role, including chairing sub-committees, in major conflict areas and on the committee on women, peace, and security.
The United Nations flag is to fly at government buildings for the duration of Ireland’s tenure.
Speaking of the honour, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said: “Ireland is today taking up our seat on the United Nations Security Council. It is an enormous responsibility and honour to serve for the next two years.
"When we stood for election we promised to bring the values of empathy, partnership and independence to bear. They will guide our work now.
"Members of the Irish Defence Forces have served under the UN flag with great distinction around the world.
"We will bring the same qualities for which they are known – determination, engagement and fairness – to the important job that lies ahead."
This will be the fourth time Ireland has been represented on the UN Security Council, having previously served in 1960, 1980-81 and 2001-02.
The 15-member council has five permanent members – the US, UK, France, Russia and China – and 10 non-permanent seats which are filled on a rotating basis.
Ireland joins newly elected members Kenya, India, Mexico and Norway alongside existing elected members Estonia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Niger, Tunisia and Vietnam.
📅Countdown to #IrelandUNSC: 1 DAY! Tomorrow marks the start of Ireland's newest chapter on the United Nations #SecurityCouncil 🇮🇪🇺🇳#TeamIreland, from Dublin to New York, could not be more excited & ready for this challenge. Thank you for your support! pic.twitter.com/XUl0p2KqQB
— Ireland at UN (@irishmissionun) December 31, 2020
Speaking back in June Ireland's Ambassador to the UN Geraldine Byrne Nason said the seat will change the way the country is perceived on the international stage.
Former US ambassador to the UN Samantha Power also said at the time that Ireland will be able to influence international affairs through its UN Security Council seat.
Main image by Eskinder Debebe/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua
