The world returns to Manhattan this week for the annual gathering that is the opening of the United Nations General Assembly.
For some, the visits by global leaders is a sign of continued hope that, somehow, all gathered will be able to work together and make the world a better place.
For others, the assembly is little more than a talking shop.
In reality, it falls somewhere between the two.
Ireland, it should be said, has been generally a positive force at the UN over the years.
According to an Irish Times report, Ireland will play a key role over the coming days in seeking to secure international momentum at the United Nations on achieving international development goals such as the elimination of poverty and implementing social justice.
Stated the report: "All UN member states agreed in 2015 to work towards implementing 17 sustainable development goals with nearly 170 targets by 2030.
"At the half way point of this process, however, the achievement of these goals – which include the elimination of poverty, ending hunger, securing gender equality and ensuring education is available to all – are way off course with only about 12 per cent on track.
"A summit on the sustainable development goals will form the centrepiece of the UN general assembly in New York.
"Ireland, along with Qatar, has been asked to secure a political declaration among UN members to build momentum towards achieving the goals by the end of the decade."
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is scheduled to address the summit on sustainable development goals.
The Irish contingent during the assembly opening will consist of Varadkar, Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence Micheál Martin, Minister for the Environment Eamon Ryan, and Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly.
Before flying the Atlantic Mr. Martin pledged that Ireland will provide at least €284 million this year in support for food, agriculture and nutrition programmes around the world.
This funding, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs website, includes a number of new pledges.
Said Martin: “Ireland is a world leader in tackling hunger. Our history of famine has ensured that ending hunger is one of the core priorities at the heart of our international engagement. This year, Ireland will provide at least €284 million in support for food, agriculture and nutrition around the world.
“Ending hunger is one of the top aims of the Sustainable Development Goals. Seven years after Ireland co-facilitated agreement on the SDGs, we will play a leading role this week at the SDG Summit in New York. This Summit is a crucial moment to take stock of progress against the SDG targets and create real momentum to deliver these important goals.
“Ireland believes that transformation of food systems must be at the heart of our work to reinvigorate the SDGs. Hunger is again increasing globally. We are in a global food and nutrition crisis, one that is characterised by more frequent shocks. Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine has added an additional dimension of uncertainty and volatility.
“Building resilience must become an urgent core strategy. This is easy to say but much harder to do. But we need to step up and build capacity across food, health, education, economic and governance systems.
“Peace is a prerequisite for the development of communities and countries. Ireland has learned this through our own long search for a historic and lasting peace. We are now enjoying the fruits of that peace, even if the political process remains fragile. Worldwide, conflict and violence always disrupt food production and supply and lead to displacement and increased vulnerability.”
This is certainly very welcome. But, as we have seen, noble words uttered at the United Nations can end up being simply that. At least, in Ireland's case, there is largesse to back them up.
