Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The world is in a very difficult and dangerous place at this time. There are numerous conflicts taking place, including the war in Ukraine. Climate change is now a reality in many countries. Conflict and climate change together have brought about famines and droughts, unprecedented world hunger and food insecurity. As if these were not enough, we are now witnessing the decline in democratic values throughout the world. During our two years on the UN Security Council, we rightly kept the focus on the effects of global warming on developing countries and how it creates even more conflict. The Taoiseach said as much in his address to the UN last month. He also correctly labelled Russia as a rogue state. In his contribution just now, he said we cannot lose faith in the UN. He referred to perceived shortcomings. How does he perceive the UN to be working in 2022? Is Russia's ability to veto UN resolutions a serious weakness? Is the UN, therefore, in need of reform to protect the rules-based international order? What else can be done to support the UN in its important work?

See this speech in context