The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) is today hosting a conference for Trócaire to mark the 40th anniversary of the organisation. The event, entitled 'New Global Policy, Same Local Reality?' was attended by Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Eamon Gilmore.

In today's conference, Trócaire is examining what it means to be poor in society today and where the international community needs to focus its activities and work towards a more just and sustainable world.

An Tánaiste, Mr. Gilmore will speak at the conference along with a number of special guests including Mohan Munashinghe, former Vice-Chair of the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and Professor of Sustainable Development, University of Manchester and Frank La Rue, UN Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of the Right to Freedom of Opinion and Expression to name but a few.

This year Trócaire reflects on 40 years of groundbreaking work with the poorest and most vulnerable people in the developing world. Trócaire tackles the root causes of poverty, addressing issues such as food security, human rights, gender equality and HIV. It works with local partner organisations that understand the challenges faced by communities in the hardest hit regions of the world. Trócaire strives to educate and inform the Irish public on issues of global justice.