Cowen to address UN summit

Taoiseach Brian Cowen is to address a United Nations summit for the first time as leader next month, it emerged today.

Cowen will be attending the UN’s New York headquarters for a meeting of dozens of heads of government at the annual General Assembly meeting.

Foreign Affairs Minister Micheal Martin and Minister of State for Overseas Development Peter Power will also be travelling for official engagements.

The 63rd General Assembly will open on September 23 and conclude on October 1.

Much of the work will focus on development issues in Africa, particularly progress achieved on the Millennium Development Goals.

Mr Cowen is expected to update the UN on Ireland’s commitment towards reaching its overseas development aid spending target of 0.7% of GNP by 2012.

The TD previously addressed the UN as Minister for Foreign Affairs.