Peace on Earth, Goodwill to All This year Sabina and I have chosen for our official Christmas card, Bartolomé Esteban Murillo’s depiction of the Flight into Egypt. This is a story of a journey impelled by a great will for the protection of others – a journey undertaken in great uncertainty, but navigated in a spirit of trust and hope. It is also a story of people’s quiet courage. We have been asked to hold firm in our courage. “All of us, in our lived daily lives, in our different circumstances, have been called upon to play our part in the challenges we share due to the impact of Covid-19. They are challenges to which you have risen most generously, making those sacrifices necessary to protect your loved ones and your fellow citizens. It has been greatly reassuring to witness that expression of solidarity, kindness, compassion and care for others, values that remain such a deeply embedded resource in the lives of our communities.” Michael D. Higgins, Uachtarán na hÉireann, Christmas 2021
“At the Food Systems Summit of the United Nations in New York this September, I was struck by the emphasis laid, as to Food Security, on breastfeeding as an obvious, basic and achievable measure. On reflection, it seemed so obvious that recovering, and promoting breastfeeding could make one of the greatest, perhaps the greatest, contribution to children’s health, nutrition and development. Beyond the direct benefit to the health of children and mothers, the most important aspect, there is also the possibility of avoiding the spending of billions later on issues of health, that could have been avoided had breastfeeding been recognised as the best sustainable approach, as a right, and as a promoted health policy. I believe that breastfeeding should be a central part of the Food Security strategy discussion at global level.” Michael D. Higgins, President of Ireland, Message to Feeding the Future – Shared Responsibility, NWC Breastfeeding Conference, October 2021
With every good wish for a peaceful and happy Christmas and New Year Beannachtaí na Nollag agus Athbhliain faoi shéan is faoi shonas
UACHTARÁN NA hÉIREANN President of Ireland 2021
PEACE, JUSTICE AND STRONG INSTITUTIONS
Áras an Uachtaráin, Phoenix Park, D08E1W3. @PresidentIRL
“When we have been successful with our Climate Change Action Plans and have honoured our Climate Justice Pledges we will have achieved the 17 Sustainable Development Goals and have a flourishing sustainable planet for all.” - Sabina Higgins Áras an Uachtaráin, D08 E1W3 www.president.ie
@PresidentIRL
Cover: 'The Flight into Egypt', 17th century. Artist: Bartolomé Esteban Murillo By Heritage Images