Bono says the UN, EU and NATO are at risk and warns that 'institutions vital to human progress are under attack'
- U2 star delivers speech as he backs Ireland joining UN Security Council
- Donald Trump, though not named, was implicated in 'threat' to world institutions
- Bono said Paris climate agreement and World Trade Organisation are in danger
Irish rock star Bono has issued a rally cry for nations to continue working together to preserve the United Nations, European Union and NATO.
The U2 frontman said the global institutions are under threat in 'troubled times' - comments seemingly aimed at US President Donald Trump.
His words came in a sobering speech to UN diplomats at an event launching Ireland's candidacy for a seat on the Security Council in 2021-22.
Singer and activist Bono said the United Nations and other international institutions are under threat in 'troubled times'
Dublin-born Bono told the delegation in New York 'you can count on Ireland' to do its part in working with other nations for the good of international institutions.
'I love that (the UN) exists. I don't take for granted that it exists, or that it will continue to exist.
'Let's be honest, we live in a time when institutions as vital to human progress as the United Nations are under attack.'
According to Associated Press, Bono didn't name any countries responsible for the threat though his words were aimed at Trump who has criticised the EU and NATO.
The American leader has also pulled out of the Paris climate agreement and taken aim at the World Trade Organization over new US tariffs.
Bono said both institutions are also under threat.
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He then said the EU, NATO and the Group of Seven major industrialised nations have also been threatened.
'These institutions and what they stand for — an international order based on shared values and shared rules — is facing the greatest test in its 70-year history,' Bono said.
'Not just these institutions but what they've achieved is at risk.'
The Irish government invited ambassadors from the 192 other UN member nations to Bono's concert at Madison Square Garden on Sunday as part of its launch for a council seat.
Bono, also a human rights activist and philanthropist, joked that it was 'unusual having a load of ambassadors jumping up and down at a rock and roll show.'
Bono (centre) walks alongside Ireland Prime Minister Leo Varadkar at the UN Headquarters in New York where Ireland launched its bid to become a Security Council member
He told the diplomats: 'at least you weren't shouting at each other — that was good.'
But his speech was both his sobering assessment of the state of the world and an appeal to the diplomats to back Ireland for a council seat.
Ireland is expected to be in a three-way race against Canada and Norway for two seats reserved for Western nations on the Security Council.
Elections to fill the seats for a two-year term will be held in June 2020.
Bono said Ireland's experience of colonialism, conflict, famine, mass migration 'give us kind of a hard-earned expertise in these problems, and empathy and I hope humility.'
'If you look at the agenda of what the Security Council will be addressing in the coming years, doesn't it look a lot like us?,' he asked.
Bono said he just came back from Canada and praised Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as 'a remarkable leader who's put together the most diverse Cabinet on the planet.'
'That Canada is nice is the worst thing I can say about them,' he said.
As for Norway, he said, 'who could ask for a better neighbour or committed peacemaker?'
'Here's the worst thing I can say about them, they're tall. They're too tall,' he said.
Bono, who is not tall, joked, 'we bear no nation — even tall ones — any ill will.'
But he said the world needs Ireland's storytelling talents and its ability to compromise 'because that's how you achieve peace.'
Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar formally launched Ireland's campaign for a council seat at the reception on the UN's lawn that included Irish dancing and music.
'We see ourselves as an island at the centre of the world,' Varadkar said.
'And we're deeply aware that in an interdependent world, the great challenges of our time do not know international boundaries.'
Varadkar said Ireland's independence in 1921 out of war and violence, and its UN membership since 1955 have led the country to be a promoter of freedom and defender of human rights.
'The United Nations is the conscience of our humanity,' he said.
'In these troubled and uncertain times, as a global island we want to play our part in defending, supporting and promoting its values.'
