Ireland’s international priorities will take centre stage in New York this week as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Helen McEntee TD travels to attend United Nations High-Level Week 2026. Her visit will focus on major global crises, human rights and Ireland’s commitment to multilateral cooperation.
According to the gov.ie announcement published on 20 September 2026, Minister McEntee will engage with UN counterparts, foreign ministers, business representatives and members of the Irish community in the United States.
UN High-Level Week agenda includes Ukraine, the Middle East and Sudan
Minister McEntee is expected to highlight Ireland’s concerns about continuing conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East and Sudan. She will also reaffirm the importance of international humanitarian law and the rules-based international order, with the United Nations at its centre.
Her programme includes bilateral meetings with international counterparts and participation in a number of high-level discussions. These engagements are intended to strengthen cooperation on humanitarian action, accountability and international security.
- Discussion of conflicts affecting Ukraine, the Middle East and Sudan
- Support for multilateral cooperation and international law
- Engagement on humanitarian action and accountability
- Meetings with EU foreign ministers and international partners
Ireland to highlight human rights and gender equality
A key element of the minister’s visit will be Ireland’s campaign for election to the UN Human Rights Council for the 2027–2029 term. Minister McEntee said Ireland would promote human rights, gender equality and international cooperation while these principles face growing pressure globally.
She will co-host an event on Afghanistan with the Malala Fund, focusing on the circumstances of Afghan women and girls. The minister will also address the Women Leaders Network of the Africa-Europe Foundation and attend discussions on international humanitarian law.
Other scheduled engagements include the annual meeting of the Informal Ministerial Network for the International Criminal Court and a high-level ministerial event on accountability for Ukraine.
Read more: Ireland’s international affairs and government updates
Trade meetings will promote Ireland as an investment destination
Alongside diplomatic discussions, Minister McEntee will hold business and trade meetings in the United States. The engagements aim to reinforce Ireland’s reputation as a leading European location for investment and support links between Irish and US business communities.
The trade programme comes ahead of an EU Trade Council meeting that Minister McEntee will host in Ireland next month. It also reflects the broader role of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in supporting Ireland’s economic, diplomatic and international objectives.
The minister will meet Irish community representatives and business leaders during the visit, creating opportunities to discuss Ireland’s global relationships and commercial connections.
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Minister to mark 9/11 anniversary in New York
During her time in New York, Minister McEntee will lay a wreath at the 9/11 Memorial to mark the 25th anniversary of the September 2001 attacks. The visit will form part of a wider programme combining remembrance, diplomacy, humanitarian advocacy and trade engagement.
She will also participate in an informal meeting of EU Foreign Affairs Ministers and attend several high-level events throughout the week. Her schedule underlines Ireland’s effort to maintain an active role in international cooperation and global diplomacy.
What does the visit mean for Ireland?
Minister McEntee’s attendance at UN High-Level Week gives Ireland an opportunity to present its positions on conflict prevention, human rights and humanitarian protection directly to international partners. It also supports Ireland’s campaign for the Human Rights Council and its efforts to deepen diplomatic and economic relationships.
Key takeaway: Ireland’s participation in UN High-Level Week 2026 will combine diplomacy, humanitarian advocacy and trade engagement, with Minister McEntee using the visit to promote international law, human rights and multilateral cooperation.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie
