Speeches By President Of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins

President Higgins held a bilateral meeting with Mr. Alvaro Lario, President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development. The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is an international financial institution and a specialized agency of the United Nations dedicated to eradicating poverty and hunger in rural areas of developing countries. Ireland is a founding member of IFAD and has contributed US$63.6 million to the Fund’s regular resources since it was established in 1977. https://president.ie/en/diary/details/president-meets-mr-alvaro-lario-president-of-the-international-fund-for-agricultural-development

On the occasion of President Michael D. Higgins’ visit to Rome, H.E. Patricia O’Brien, Ambassador of Ireland to Italy and H.E. Frances Collins, Ambassador of Ireland to Holy See, hosted a reception at the Villa Spada, the residence of the Ambassador of Ireland to Italy, for selected representatives of the Irish community. https://president.ie/en/diary/details/president-and-sabina-attend-a-reception-for-the-irish-community-in-rome23

At the invitation of the Director General of the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO), Dr. QU Dongyu, President Higgins delivered a speech at the World Food Forum grand opening ceremony.

At the invitation of H.E. Mr. Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, President of the Portuguese Republic, President Higgins participated in a meeting of the ‘Arraiolos Group’ of EU Presidents. The meeting was attended by14 non-executive Presidents of European Union member states who discussed contemporary issues. The Arraiolos Group is an informal meeting of Presidents of European Union member states. Meeting once a year, the Arraiolos Group, named after the Portuguese town where the first meeting took place in 2003, provides a political forum for the Presidents of parliamentary republics in the EU to consider responses to the challenges facing their societies, and to promote the principles of multilateralism.

President Higgins formally opened the National Ploughing Championships, taking place place in Ratheniska, Co. Laois. The President has attended the Ploughing Championships since his inauguration in 2011, and has described the festival as “an outstanding example of the Irish genius” and “the most beloved rendez-vous in Ireland’s rural calendar.”

The President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, has participated, at the invitation of Chile’s President, in events taking place in Santiago to mark the 50th anniversary of the coup d’état which overthrew the government of the democratically elected Chilean President Salvador Allende on 11 September 1973. President Higgins, at the request of President Gabriel Boric, has contributed a video message – which the President has delivered in both the Spanish and English languages – which will be played at an event attended by invited Heads of State in Santiago on Monday to mark the 50th anniversary of the coup. President Higgins has also added his support to the ‘Santiago Commitment’, which will be signed by those participating in the event. On the 50th anniversary of the overturning of democracy in Chile, the document commits those signing it to caring for and defending democracy, condemning violence and promoting peaceful resolution of differences, defending and promoting human rights, and strengthening the space

The President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, has participated, at the invitation of Chile’s President, in events taking place in Santiago to mark the 50th anniversary of the coup d’état which overthrew the government of the democratically elected Chilean President Salvador Allende on 11 September 1973. President Higgins, at the request of President Gabriel Boric, has contributed a video message – which the President has delivered in both the Spanish and English languages – which will be played at an event attended by invited Heads of State in Santiago on Monday to mark the 50th anniversary of the coup. President Higgins has also added his support to the ‘Santiago Commitment’, which will be signed by those participating in the event. On the 50th anniversary of the overturning of democracy in Chile, the document commits those signing it to caring for and defending democracy, condemning violence and promoting peaceful resolution of differences, defending and promoting human rights, and strengthening the space

President Higgins presented the Gaisce Gold Awards to young people who have completed their personal development challenges. Gaisce is the President’s awards scheme which aims to foster young people’s potential by encouraging them to set goals in a number of areas and then achieve them. At the awards ceremony the President honoured young people who spent time working with voluntary organisations and getting involved in youth groups and clubs. https://president.ie/en/diary/details/president-presents-gaisce-gold-awards-2023

The President and Sabina Higgins hosted special Presidential Concert, celebrating Irish music. The concert was part of a series of Garden Parties at Áras an Uachtaráin, organised by President and Sabina Higgins to celebrate people and organisations who work on themes that the President wishes to highlight. https://president.ie/en/diary/details/president-and-sabina-host-a-concert-celebrating-irish-music-reimagined

The President and Sabina hosted a garden party marking the 75th anniversary of An Taisce, the National Trust for Ireland, recognising its critical role as a guardian of Ireland’s heritage. https://president.ie/en/diary/details/president-and-sabina-host-a-garden-party-in-celebration-of-irish-heritage

The President and Sabina Higgins hosted a Garden Party celebrating individuals who have dedicated their lives to making a positive impact in their communities with an emphasis on the importance of sports referees. https://president.ie/en/diary/details/president-and-sabina-host-a-garden-party-recognising-community-groups-2023

At the invitation of His Excellency Mr. Ricardo Hernández, Ambassador of Chile, President Higgins attended a ceremony in recognition of the Irish Missionaries Fr. Brendan Forde, Fr. Desmond McGillicuddy and Fr. Liam Hollohan, for their humanitarian assistance provided to the people of Chile.

On Saturday, 24th June 2023, the President and Sabina Higgins hosted a Family Day garden party at Áras an Uachtaráin. At the third Garden Party of 2023, President Higgins acknowledged various organisations across different sectors of society all of whom work tirelessly to improve the conditions for families in all their forms. https://president.ie/en/diary/details/president-and-sabina-host-a-family-day-garden-party-2023

On 21 June 2023 the President and Sabina Higgins hosted a Garden Party celebrating Women’s Advocacy Groups. https://president.ie/en/diary/details/president-and-sabina-host-a-garden-party-to-celebrate-womens-advocacy-groups-2023

Each year, the President and Sabina Higgins host a series of Garden Parties, to celebrate the work of people and organisations who have been active in projects and areas that are central to the Presidency of Michael D. Higgins. The Garden Parties continue a tradition established by past Presidents, and over the course of 7 events, the President and Sabina will welcome people from all over the island of Ireland to Áras an Uachtaráin, its house and gardens. The first garden party of 2023 took place on 18 June, and celebrated Bloomsday, one of the most significant days on Ireland’s literary calendar. https://president.ie/en/diary/details/president-and-sabina-host-a-bloomsday-garden-party

President Higgins led the 2023 National Famine Commemoration Ceremony in Milford, Donegal. The annual national commemoration revolves between the four provinces of Ireland and this year the event was held in Ulster.

President Higgins hosted a reception celebrating the 20th anniversary of TASC (the Think-tank for Action on Social Change). TASC is an independent think-tank whose mission is to address inequality and sustain democracy by translating analysis into action.

President Higgins invited Mr. de Róiste to Áras an Uachtaráin on 30th March, 2023 in recognition of the apology which Mr. de Róiste received from the Minister for Defence on 7 December 2022, the distress which he has suffered over five decades, and his long pursuit to clear his good name.

To mark he 25th Anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, the President hosted a special viewing of the Herstory touring exhibition entitled Peace Heroines. Herstory is a multi-disciplinary storytelling platform that illuminates and celebrates female role-models. Peace Heroines aims to highlight the contribution of women to the Northern Ireland peace process. https://president.ie/en/diary/details/president-and-sabina-host-the-herstory-exhibition-on-peace-heroines

Each year, the President and Sabina Higgins mark St. Patrick's Day by hosting a reception for groups and people that have made a particular contribution to Irish society. This year the President and Sabina Higgins hosted a reception in Áras an Uachtaráin celebrating the Irish Film, Audio-Visual and Performing Arts Communities. https://president.ie/en/diary/details/president-and-sabina-host-a-st-patricks-day-reception-celebrating-irish-film