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Taoiseach launches Global Schools Programme
From Department of the Taoiseach
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of the Taoiseach
Published on
Last updated on
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Issued by the Government Press Office
An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar TD, today visited Ringsend College in Dublin to launch the Global Schools programme, which will see Irish diplomats and peacekeepers visiting secondary schools around the country to talk to students about the Global Ireland programme and the work they do overseas. As part of the programme, each school will be presented with a UN flag and a copy of the preamble of the UN Charter.
The Global Schools programme is an element of Global Ireland, the Government’s policy to double Ireland’s impact in the world by 2025. Ireland’s membership of the United Nations and the centrality of multilateralism to our foreign policy form an important part of Global Ireland.
The Global Schools programme will allow for a greater understanding of how UN membership has played a significant role in Ireland’s history - including our contributions to peacekeeping, international development, human rights and disarmament - and how we will continue to do so in the future.
Speaking today An Taoiseach said:
“Through our diplomats, our peacekeepers, our culture and our agencies, Ireland has a huge impact internationally. We trade with countries around the globe, members of our Defence Forces help keep people safe in some of the world’s most worn torn regions and through more than 80 embassies and consulates we represent Ireland overseas and help Irish people no matter where they are on the planet.
“Through our ambitious Global Ireland programme, the Government is committed to doubling our footprint overseas. No nation can hope to meet the challenges facing the globe on its own or without cooperating with other countries. Migration, climate change, armed conflict and hunger do not carry passports or recognise international borders. Through the Global Ireland initiative we are expanding our presence internationally and increasing our investment and development assistance for some of the world’s poorest countries.
“It is my hope that the Global Schools programme can inspire Ireland’s next generation of ambassadors, peacekeepers, aid workers and diplomats. Today’s secondary school students are the next generation of world leaders and I think it’s really important that they learn about our work overseas, as well as Ireland’s place in the world.”
Vice Admiral Mark Mellett DSM, Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces said:
“Ireland has a proud history of UN service and Global Schools is a valuable initiative in helping build understanding with our young people about Ireland’s international role, and our ambition to double Ireland’s impact around the world through the Global Ireland programme.”
ENDS
The Global Schools programme will run throughout 2019 and will be available to all second level schools. It will see Irish diplomats, accompanied by members of the Defence Forces who have served with the United Nations, visiting schools across the country to meet with students to explain the Global Ireland programme and to present each school with a UN flag and a copy of the preamble of the UN Charter.
Global Ireland – Ireland’s Global Footprint to 2025 - the Government’s initiative to double the scope and impact of Ireland’s global footprint in the period to 2025. It represents the most ambitious renewal and expansion of Ireland’s international presence ever undertaken in terms of diplomacy, culture, business, overseas aid, tourism and trade.