The UK Ambassador to Ireland Paul Johnston visited Maynooth University on Monday, 18 November, where he met with staff and students and attended a speaking engagement on the priorities of the new UK government.
President of Maynooth University, Professor Eeva Leinonen and Dr Mary Canning, Chairperson of the Governing Authority, welcomed the Ambassador and his wife Mrs Nicola Johnston.
In an address at Renehan Hall, Ambassador Johnston shared insights on recent developments in UK-Irish relations, while looking ahead to shared priorities for the coming years.
The Ambassador outlined the thinking of the new UK government, with a particular focus on its international policy priorities including growth, resetting relations with Europe, security, climate and development.
“Security and justice are global concerns; they do not affect only those countries or regions immediately impacted. Insecurity undermines our prosperity - with global conflicts costing an estimated €913 billion to the worldwide economy last year,” the Ambassador said.
“So, the challenges we face demand closer cooperation among like-minded partners to preserve peace, security, and address urgent global issues such as the climate crisis, inequality and poverty.
“We must work collaboratively to build, strengthen, and reform multilateral institutions to confront the threats we face and uphold human rights and international law.”
Welcoming the Ambassador, Prof Leinonen said: “Ambassador Johnston’s visit to Maynooth University offered a unique opportunity for our students and staff to engage with critical perspectives on international relations and policy. In a time of rapid global change, events like this enable our university community to consider diverse viewpoints and the pressing challenges facing our interconnected world.
“The Ambassador’s insights on the priorities of the new UK government were both timely and thought-provoking, particularly in their emphasis on collaboration as a path forward. His visit reflects our commitment as a university to fostering open dialogue, learning from global experiences, and contributing to conversations that shape our shared future.”
