Position paper for Ireland
| Committee: | GA First |
| Topic: | Reducing space threats through norms, rules and principles of responsible behaviours |
| Paper text: | |
| The delegation of Ireland recognizes that maintaining the peaceful and sustainable use of
outer space is essential for international stability and global development. As more States
and private entities enter orbit, the risks of collision, debris generation, and the
weaponization of space continue to grow. Ireland believes that preventing an arms race in
outer space requires both transparency and the gradual strengthening of international
norms into binding commitments.
Irelandâs approach centers on two key priorities: (1) enhancing transparency and confidence-building measures (TCBMs); (2) developing a clear pathway to transform voluntary norms into enforceable law. First, transparency and confidence-building are very important for reducing mistrust and preventing escalation. Ireland supports the expansion of pre-launch notifications, the open registration of all space objects, and greater data sharing through global space situational awareness networks. These measures strengthen mutual understanding and accountability among Member States and private actors alike. Ireland encourages active participation in the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) and related UN forums to ensure emerging technologies such as on-orbit servicing and dual- use systems are addressed cooperatively. Second, Ireland advocates for a phased approach to transform the Guidelines for the Long-Term Sustainability (LTS) of Outer Space Activities from voluntary guidance into binding obligations. A practical first step is to turn select technical guidelines - on debris mitigation, registration, and information exchange - into regional agreements that can evolve into broader international frameworks. At the national level, Member States should integrate these norms into domestic licensing and oversight of private operators to ensure global consistency. Finally, Ireland emphasizes the role of United Nations Platform for Space-based Information for Disaster Management and Emergency Response (UN-SPIDER) and United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) in providing technical assistance and capacity-building, particularly for developing countries. Strengthening these programs will encourage universal compliance and promote equitable participation in space governance. The delegation of Ireland urges Member States to advance cooperation, transparency, and accountability to ensure outer space remains a peaceful and sustainable environment for all humankind. | |
| Committee: | GA First |
| Topic: | The illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in all its aspects |
| Paper text: | |
| The trade of small arms and light weapons is extremely detrimental to the sustainable development and growth of countries. In developing countries, illicit weapons fuel armed conflict, revolution, and uprisings. The spread of these weapons also undermines education, infrastructure, and healthcare. This climate reduces foreign investment and increases poverty. This cycle of instability often involves child soldiers and gender-based violence. The United Nations has recognized the importance of tracing weaponry in the name of disarmament. Though tracing is much more difficult in developing states due to lack of resources, expertise personnel, and technology. These countries also cannot Ireland and the United Nations have advocated for stronger weapon tracing instruments and policies for all member states. The United Nations adopted the International Tracing Instrument (ITI) and the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade of Small Arms and Light Weapons in All its Aspects. The International Tracing Instrument created guidelines for marking and tracking these weapons with a serial number and country of origin. The Programme of Action has served as a basis for international cooperation. These programs encourage international cooperation of member states and promote higher weapon tracing standards and practices. In addition to this, the United Nations has also tackled more âdemand-sideâ problems by preventing armed violence and prioritizing human security. Also, Ireland and the United Nations have implemented more region-specific programs to assist developing countries in the global fight against the illicit weapons trade. Wealthier nations must continue to provide technological and financial assistance to states that lack the resources necessary to implement tracing measures. International disarmament can only come to fruition through collective action. Therefore, curbing the illicit trade of small arms and light weapons is a necessity to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and achieve a prosperous world. | |
| Committee: | GA Second |
| Topic: | Role of the United Nations in promoting development in the context of globalization and interdependence |
| Paper text: | |
| Globalization and Interdependence have connected the world through trade technology
and the movement of people and ideas. Managed carefully by the UN it has the power to
lift millions out of poverty and help the world achieve the SDGs rather than only
benefiting a select few. Ireland believes globalization must be equitable, sustainable and
aligned with the SDGs and has a strong commitment to multilateralism, cooperation, and
fairness in a global economy.
Ireland views the UN as the central platform to make globalization and interdependence inclusive and allow all nations, especially developing countries, to benefit. Ireland believes the UN must strengthen international cooperation by ensuring global markets are fair and open. According to the UNCTAD framework, equitable participation in trade allows for stability and shared prosperity. Ireland supports the UNDP and UNCTAD in creating tools which lower trade barriers for developed countries, extend duty-free access, and promote transparent trade governance. As a member of the EU and a strong advocate for multilateralism Ireland supports initiatives which give developing nations greater market access and integration into global markets. Globalization is not just moral but strategic as global prosperity benefits everyone. Ireland recognizes that technology and financing are the driving forces of sustainable globalization. Ireland supports the UNDPâs 4 trillion challenge to mobilize 1% of global wealth towards achieving the SDGs. As well as encouraging private-public partnerships and blended finance models to pull investments for developing countries. With developments and digital inclusion gaps in innovation and connectivity will be bridged. Overall the UN should encourage technology transfers, promote green innovations and strengthen local capacity building in developing countries. In closing the UN must serve as the bridge between developed and developing countries by ensuring globalization benefits everyone. There must be renewed multinational cooperation under the SDG framework as 2030 approaches urgency is crucial. Ireland pledges to continue supporting policies which expand trade, technology and financing opportunities for small and vulnerable economies. | |
| Committee: | GA Second |
| Topic: | Protection of global climate for present and future generations of humankind |
| Paper text: | |
| As climate change continues to become a bigger issue, bigger steps must be taken. These
steps are being taken through international treaties. The most widely accepted and up to
date of these treaties is the Paris agreement. This agreement set out to slow and
eventually stop global temperatures from rising by the end of the 21st century. Methods
for accomplishing this are the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions through carbon
budgets and the development of green energy infrastructure, such as solar panels or
wind turbines.
All developed countries have a responsibility to ensure they are assisting the least developed countries (LDCs) in their efforts to reach the Paris agreement's objective. These nations need assistance because they lack the necessary infrastructure, technology, and funding to make any significant progress on their own. Developed nations can assist LDCs by providing technologies, financial aid, and capacity building. Capacity building provides these nations with more of a means to accomplish these goals themselves, by the construction of things such as schools to provide them with the knowledge to be more self-sufficient. A major issue with the Paris agreement is its nonbinding nature. This allows members who have signed the agreement not to follow through on the objective. To make countries more transparent on their contributions, the agreement uses biennial transparency reports (BTRs). These reports tell us what progress a nation has made towards the climate reduction goals, as well as where the money they are spending is going. Through these reports, we have determined that the majority of nations have fallen short of the objectives. The Paris Agreement is important because it provides an outline for nations on how to combat climate change. Measuring this progress is also very crucial, as it allows us to know what nations are following through and which are not. Ireland has taken steps by implementing legislation through carbon budgets to lower our greenhouse gas emissions. But it is also committed to assisting developing countries reach the goal and is currently providing yearly financial aid to developing countries. They believe that our fellow member states need to make an improvement when it comes to the reduction of greenhouse gases. | |
| Committee: | GA Third |
| Topic: | Universal realization of the right of peoples to self-determination |
| Paper text: | |
| Self-determination grants people the independence to choose their own form of
government, allowing their region to be officially recognized as being independent from
their country. The core principles of self-determination are to develop peaceful relations
between nations and to minimize the escalation of conflict between regions. These
regions speak their own languages and have their own cultures. The United Nations
emphasizes the importance of self-determination so that people have the right to choose
their own political independence, along with respecting a stateâs borders. The United
Nations has made significant efforts in addressing universal problems involving different
countries and regions.
Self-determination can create tension between regions trying to break away from their countries. The war between Ukraine and Russia showed how self-determination can create conflict. The war between them was ultimately about Ukraine seeking self- determination due to Russia threatening Ukraineâs sovereignty. These disputes typically arise when a region desires self-determination, and countries fear self-determination because it threatens their borders along with their internal stability. A government accepting a regionâs wish for independence can result in a loss of resources and influence for that country. Another example of the United Nations resolving conflict between countries is the Isreal-Palestine conflict. To resolve this conflict, the United Nations utilized diplomatic effort and encouraged a ceasefire, eventually convincing both regions to agree to a resolution in 1947. The United Nations can implement meditative and negotiation strategies when facilitating peaceful conversations between nations. Some countries, such as Ireland, may be sympathetic to the concept of self-determination due to historical, cultural, and political factors. A desire for self-determination can normally be seen as a threat towards a country because of the associated risks, but countries may allow self-determination if they are more concerned with promoting peace and stability. Allowing ethnic groups to claim their rights to self-independence benefits a country by preventing any conflicts from arising within their borders. In some countries, self-determination may be beneficial in addressing identity concerns, which can create a more inclusive environment within their political system. The United Nations addresses pressing concerns about regions being forced against pursuing self-governance by shifting their focus to places that lack the independence for self-determination. Some of the non-self-governing territories that the United Nations has been focusing their efforts on include the Western Sahara, Bermuda, and Guma. The United Nations can promote self-determination by reducing conflict between regions and providing support to regions seeking independence, while also respecting countriesâ territories. | |
| Committee: | GA Third |
| Topic: | Improvement of the situation of women and girls in rural areas |
| Paper text: | |
| Efforts to improve the situation of women and girls in rural areas is a principal issue that
remains at the heart of both human development and social justice around the world.
The empowerment of rural women and girls is not only a moral imperative but also an
economic and social necessity for sustainable development. Despite Irelandâs strong
social policies and progress toward gender equality, rural women continue to face unique
challenges that often remain invisible in national averages. Examples include limited
access to childcare, transportation, and digital infrastructure. These instances combined
with traditional gender roles and unequal landownership still restrict womenâs
participation in the economy and public life. Rural women and girls in Ireland, as in many
developed countries, face a mix of structural advantages and persistent inequalities. The
difficulties they face connect with traditional gender norms that still shape the division of
unpaid care and farm work by limiting womenâs time, mobility, and capacity to participate
fully in economic and civic life.
The United Nationsâ normative frameworks provide a clear blueprint for reform. Sustainable Development Goals 5 (SDG 5) and cross-cutting goals on decent work, reduced inequalities, and sustainable communities emphasize the need for gender- responsive rural planning. Instruments such as The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Beijing Platform for Action call for removal of legal, economic, and social barriers that prevent rural womenâs full participation. For Ireland, aligning national rural development policy with these frameworks means mainstreaming gender in agricultural programs, including investing in universal childcare and eldercare in rural catchments, along with ensuring transport and broadband strategies prioritize connectivity for women-dependent households. Practical interventions include expanding flexible, locally accessible childcare, funding small-scale infrastructure that enables women-led entrepreneurship (markets, co-ops, incubators), supporting land and business-access reforms so women can own and manage agricultural assets, and strengthening local health and educational outreach. Reverse stagnation, like gender-mainstream rural development budgets, expand public services (childcare, transport, broadband) targeted at low-density areas. It creates incentives for women-led rural enterprises, and monitor progress with gender-specific targets and accountability mechanisms. Community-led participatory planning helps ensure policies meet local needs and sustain momentum. Key gaps include lack of routinely disaggregated data by sex, age, and geographic remoteness on time use (unpaid care), employment type (seasonal/informal), land ownership and access, digital access/quality, and barriers to service uptake. Better longitudinal and small-area surveys, plus administrative data linked by gender, would enable precise targeting. Digital tools and AI can reduce isolation allowing telehealth, remote learning, e-commerce for crafts and farm produce, and fintech for microcredit. AI-driven analytics can identify service deserts and tailor training. Except, to be empowering, these technologies must be accessible, affordable, gender-sensitive in design (avoiding biased datasets), and paired with digital literacy and privacy protections so rural women can benefit safely and equitably. | |
| Committee: | GA Plenary |
| Topic: | Our ocean, our future, our responsibility |
| Paper text: | |
| I. Marine Pollution and Depletion of Resources
The Irish delegation strongly believes that the sustainable use and protection of the worldâs oceans are essential to global stability, food security, and climate resilience. Marine pollution and resource depletion are two major problems that have endangered both marine ecosystems and coastal habitats. Degraded marine habitats threaten biodiversity, undermine livelihoods, and slow the progress toward United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14, Life Below Water. Ireland supports strengthening the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the full implementation of the High Seas Treaty (2023) to promote responsible behavior and environmental protection in both areas beyond national jurisdiction and under state jurisdiction. Ireland calls on Member States to adopt coordinated global actions to reduce marine litter by eliminating single-use plastics and investing in waste prevention. Ireland also supports the use of digital tracking technologies and satellite systems to map areas where illegal, unreported, or unregulated (IUU) fishing is taking place, and to implement measures to respond accordingly. As a shared heritage of humanity, the ocean belongs to all nations, and they should work together to protect the marine environment and ensure its sustainable use. II. Progress in Marine Protected Areas and the Blue Economy Ireland believes the key to a successful approach to sustainability is striking a balance between ocean preservation and sustainable-growth interests worldwide. The purpose of this initiative is to increase the area of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and to create a blue economy in harmony with nature. Currently, less than 8 percent of the worldâs oceans are classified as MPAs, a far cry from the United Nations' aim to protect 30% by 2030 (commonly referred to as â30 by 30â). The delegation urges greater establishment of MPAs, a stronger focus on habitat restoration, and higher international co-financing of marine scientific research within the framework of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021â2030). It can be a source of innovation, job creation, and clean energy which do not damage the environment. The Irish delegation is backing UN-led programmes to develop offshore renewable energy and eco-tourism ventures that respect environmental standards. The United Nations should be tasked with ensuring free access to technology and financial resources so that developing countries can make a smooth transition to sustainable ocean-based industries that conserve biodiversity. | |
| Committee: | GA Plenary |
| Topic: | Strengthening of the coordination of emergency humanitarian assistance of the United Nations |
| Paper text: | |
| The UN is a key player in coordinating humanitarian efforts around the world, but its
workers often have to deal with very difficult situations that require them to be more
prepared and more flexible. To make humanitarian operations around the world safer
and more effective, we need to train more people and increase their skills.
Comprehensive training equips humanitarian staff to respond quickly and efficiently in times of need. People who work in places where there is war, natural disasters, or environmental collapse need to know a lot about logistics, emergency health care, risk management, and cultural understanding. Capacity-building also improves leadership, coordination, and negotiation abilities, which are all important for making sure that foreign and local actors can work together well. Better training immediately makes humanitarian workers safer. Many work in unstable areas where armed groups, disease outbreaks, and infrastructure failures are always a threat. The UN may reduce casualties and operational disruptions by using safety protocols, teaching people about digital security, and running crisis simulations based on real-life situations. Capacity-building is more than just training people. It develops systems that last by giving local governments and communities the power to act quickly when they need to. When the UN helps local leaders, it makes them stronger in the long run. Training local responders lessens the need for international help and makes guarantee that humanitarian aid keeps coming even after global groups leave. More instruction also encourages openness, responsibility, and moral behavior. Humanitarian workers must follow the rules of neutrality, fairness, and respect for human rights. Structured educational programs promote these ideals and help stop people from doing the wrong thing or mismanaging things when things are stressful. The UN can reach these goals by working with universities, regional training institutes, and non-governmental organizations. Standardized certification programs would make sure that all UN humanitarian branches work in a consistent and professional way. Also, using technology like virtual simulations and digital coordination platforms would make training easier and more effective for people all around the world. Capacity-building initiatives ought to focus on data gathering and information management. Well-trained staff who can analyze and communicate data well make the world more ready for future calamities. This method fits with the UN's bigger goals of human security and sustainable development. In the end, the UN has a moral and strategic duty to protect both its staff and the people they serve, therefore it needs to do more training and capacity-building. The backbone of global assistance operations is well- trained humanitarian workers. The UN's commitment to human dignity and international solidarity is shown by how it invests in its staff's expertise, safety, and leadership. This not only makes the UN better able to respond to crises, but it also shows its commitment to these values. In conclusion, the UN can and should help humanitarian workers more by giving them more training and improving their skills. This will make the global humanitarian network safer and stronger, and it will also make local systems perform better in times of need. | |
| Committee: | IAEA |
| Topic: | Nuclear security |
| Paper text: | |
| Since the introduction of atomic weapons to the world stage in August of 1945, the world has sought ways to properly secure nuclear weapons and materials to avoid having them fall into the wrong hands. The International Atomic Energy agency was founded to ensure this, while still allowing for peaceful uses to exist. However, it is still the primary directive of the International Atomic Energy Agency to ensure that policies and guidance are updated and relevant to help countries prevent the misuse of nuclear and radioactive materials. These policies and guidance are instrumental in strengthening security and upholding treaties throughout the world. However, these policies must be consistently updated and added to in order to stay relevant in a rapidly changing technological environment. Many of these policies are formalized in a four year Nuclear Security Plan, with the upcoming one being the 2026-2029 Nuclear Security Plan. Each plan has its own priority points, often stemming from new technology or threats. One main point of focus in the upcoming Nuclear Security Plan is on cyber security. This issue is especially important as nuclear technologies become more widespread and available. Nuclear facilities must have some of the best cyber security and defenses due to the nature of the facilities and the consequences should sabotage by a hostile actor be conducted. There are already guidelines in place and countries with nuclear facilities currently have at least some form of cyber security for them, but they must evolve as the threats to them do as well. Threats against a nuclear facility must be taken seriously by all nations as a catastrophe will never just affect one country. It is in the interests of the international community to ensure that cyber security on nuclear facilities is robust and that better forms of security be shared to ensure that all nuclear facilities around the world are as safe as can be. | |
| Committee: | IAEA |
| Topic: | Strengthening the Agency's activities related to nuclear science, technology and applications |
| Paper text: | |
| The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) plays a central role in advancing the safe, secure, and peaceful use of nuclear science and technology to support sustainable development. Strengthening the Agencyâs activities in these areas are vital to addressing challenges such as energy access, health care, environmental protection, and food security. The IAEA enables member states to use nuclear technology responsibly while meeting non proliferation and safety standards by using technical cooperation, capacity building, and research. If the IAEA wants to further improve their impact they should continue expanding their Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP), because it helps member states use nuclear technology for peaceful objectives. Countries can also work alongside the IAEA to plan Country Programme Frameworks that identify national concerns like food safety, cancer treatment, water resource management and requesting support for training, and guidance. The IAEA can also improve global readiness for emergencies and streamlining nuclear applications by standardizing training and quality assurance systems so that nuclear services are reliable and safe across all regions. Also strengthening national regulatory bodies and legal frameworks will help ensure nuclear facilities run under proper international safeguards. The agency should push predictable funding cycles to encourage member states to share scientific expertise through training centers and maintain stable projects. The IAEA must also acknowledge emerging security and technological challenges. Improving cyber and nuclear resilience would protect facilities from cyberattacks, terrorism, and sabotage. The expansion of verification capabilities and safeguards like data analysis, inspection tools, and satellite monitoring would prevent the wrongful use of nuclear materials. Continuing to invest in innovation and research will provide for the safe development of upcoming technology like isotope production, and small modular reactors. When the IAEA enforces these efforts they will improve global confidence in nuclear science and guarantee that the benefits will serve all of the international community sustainably and responsibly. | |
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