President Higgins' speech at the United Nations' Summit of the Future is expected to focus on inequality, hunger, poverty and the risks of climate change faced by the world's poorest nations

President Higgins to address UN 'Summit of the Future'

by · RTE.ie

President Michael D Higgins is due to address the United Nations' 'Summit of the Future' in New York.

The two-day summit has been convened by the UN Secretary-General António Guterres, ahead of the UN General Assembly next week, in a bid to reform the UN and plan for future challenges.

President Higgins’ speech, which will be delivered in the General Assembly Hall, is expected to focus on inequality, hunger, poverty and the risks of climate change faced by the world’s poorest nations.

The President will criticise the "narrow interests" and "abuses of power" that have undermined the United Nations since its establishment in 1945.

Mr Higgins will say the world must not become "desensitised to the daily loss of life" in a discourse "dominated by the politics of fear".

He will also warn of a new arms race, citing record levels of global military expenditure.

In addition to his address at the 'Summit of the Future', President Higgins will attend bi-lateral meetings during the gathering of world leaders for the UN General Assembly high-level week, which starts on Tuesday.

Read more: Wars in Gaza, Ukraine and Sudan to dominate UN General Assembly

Taoiseach Simon Harris and Tánaiste Micheál Martin will also arrive in New York to attend the UN General Assembly.

Speaking ahead of his visit, Mr Harris said his focus would be on "the grave situation in the Middle East".

"The immediate priority of the international community must be an immediate ceasefire and hostage release deal," he said.

The Taoiseach will also hold talks on the conflicts in Ukraine and Sudan.