the-global-island-irelands-foreign-policy

8
EMBRACING A CHANGING WORLD
AN AGEING WORLD, 2010–2030
6,000,000
834,814
5,000,000
424,614
4,000,000
3,000,000
2010
0-59 years
60+ years
2030
0-59 years
60+ years
2,000,000
103,158
1,000,000
54,981
162,063 212,883
58,579
119,676
64,615
104,590
0
1,031,084 1,634,366 4,202,099 4,934,163 740,3308 736,364 596,191 716,671 346,501 403,373
Africa
Asia
Pacific*
Europe
Latin America
and the
Caribbean
North
America
Foinse: UNDESA World Population Prospects: 2012 Revision
Our direct, bilateral relations are
only part of a more complex regional
and international framework within
which we operate. Our place in the
world is underpinned by a number
of interests, including a strong and
effective European Union; a world
system based on the rule of law with
strong global institutions; and an open,
free and rules-based global economy.
Promoting these interests is part of
our foreign policy.
As a result of the recent economic
crisis, greater emphasis has been
placed on promoting economic
growth and rebuilding Ireland’s
reputation as part of our international
engagement. This has required a
whole-of-Government approach driven
by the international engagement of all
members of Government, and reflected
and supported in the work of Ireland’s
embassies and agencies on the ground.
This will continue as Ireland maintains
a focus on positioning itself as a
sustainable, competitive economy, an
attractive location for investment and
tourism and a source of high quality
goods and services.
Our influence is amplified and
significantly strengthened by our
membership of the European
Union and our participation in the
United Nations.
The European Union is fundamental
to Ireland’s future. In our four decades
of membership, it has assisted social
and economic transformation in
Ireland and helped us grow and
prosper as a people. As we come
through a challenging economic and
financial crisis, the EU remains central
to our long-term economic stability
and growth.
The EU, above all through its
progressive enlargement, has
reshaped our continent and its wider
neighbourhood, extending a zone
of peace and stability challenged by
developments on its borders. By acting
together, we are better able to navigate
a fast-changing world, and to promote
the interests and values we share with
our fellow member states.
We have also used our membership of
the United Nations to project our values
which, shaped by our history, include a
strong commitment to international
peace and stability; to human rights,
equality and the rule of law; and to
solidarity with those suffering from
poverty, hunger and disadvantage. We
have a distinguished record of service
in UN peacekeeping and in exercising
leadership responsibilities at the UN, in
particular on development, disarmament
and non-proliferation issues. And we are
one of the best known advocates at the
UN for solutions to problems of conflict,
injustice and inequality.
Our contribution at the UN is
distinctive and highly respected. It
has enabled us to exercise greater
influence in international relations.