Tom Arnold’s Blog
Tom is Concern Worldwide’s Chief Executive. He was appointed to the position 2001. Read Tom’s profile here.
Small countries are not small-minded
Posted by Tom Arnold in Tom Arnold’s Blog | 16 March 2010 |
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St Patrick’s Day is a time to reflect upon, and be proud of, our role and achievements in working with those less fortunate than ourselves. It is a role that small countries like Ireland play a big part in.
Something we do well
Ireland proves small countries are not necessarily small-minded. Our moral and practical support for people in the poorest circumstances is part of our DNA. It gives us a unique perspective on the world. Ireland and its aid agencies play a leading international role in combating hunger and in responding to emergencies and natural disasters across the world.
Millions of Euro
The most recent example of this has been the response to Haiti. The Irish public has donated and fundraised in hugely imaginative and inspiring ways, giving over €21 million to date. €8 million of it was given to Concern’s own appeal. The government has also been very quick with its response.
Thank you
While Ireland’s reaction to Haiti is proof of our concern for others, we must not forget the one billion people in the developing world who are going to bed hungry and living in extreme poverty. It is, quite simply, unacceptable. Concern is working daily to eradicate this dire reality and we take this opportunity to thank the Irish people for their ongoing generosity and support.
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An honour for Concern
I have been elected to an international board aimed at increasing the impact of agricultural research in developing countries. This is an honour for Concern and a reflection of the international recognition of the part played by Ireland in fighting world poverty.
Nutrition and health
CGIAR employs more than 8,000 scientists and support staff in over 100 countries. It is involved in cutting-edge research aimed at increasing agricultural growth, improving human nutrition and health, and better management of natural resources.
The board is chaired by leading Uruguayan diplomat and economist, Carlos Perez del Castillo.
Improving effectiveness
Irish Aid, the Irish government’s international aid programme, has strongly supported the work of CGIAR over the past decade. Concern cooperates with a number of the CGIAR centres to improve the effectiveness of our own programmes. On being elected to the board, I hope to bring this experience to the wider CGIAR research programme.
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Haiti earthquake
Posted by Tom Arnold in Tom Arnold’s Blog | 19 January 2010 |
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I visited Haiti to oversee emergency operations and offer my support to our staff in Port-au-Prince. Read more
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Vital information
Crucial Copenhagen
Posted by Tom Arnold in Tom Arnold’s Blog | 16 December 2009 |
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Yesterday, I talked on RTE Radio 1 about climate change and the conference in Copenhagen.
A new reality
I also wrote an article about the impact climate change is having on the poorest and most vulnerable people:
By 2050, summer temperatures are likely to rise by 4-5 degrees in northwest Asia and be 3-4 degrees higher over much of India. Increases in temperature will reduce soil moisture, bring additional health problems and a proliferation of pests. Climate change is also exacerbating water scarcity.
The United Nations Environment Program estimates that up to 25% of world food production could be lost as a result of climate change.
The article was published recently in the US. Read the full version.
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Celebrating volunteers
Posted by Tom Arnold in Tom Arnold’s Blog | 9 December 2009 |
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Earlier this month, I attended the Ireland Involved Awards for volunteers in Dublin. Liam Burke was the winner of the International Development Volunteer category for his work with Concern.
Talents and dedication
Liam shies away from personal publicity but without his exceptional talents and dedication, Concern and the people we work with would be far less visible.
Volunteering spirit
As an organisation, we are blessed with many volunteers who commit their time and talents across a range of activities. At this time of year, hundreds of volunteers are on the streets fundraising, adjudicating debates and supporting our work in other ways behind the scenes. I would like to thank them for their dedication and commitment. The spirit of volunteering is very much alive and well.
Difficulties and decisions
Posted by Tom Arnold in Tom Arnold’s Blog | 27 November 2009 |
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Decision time is at hand: the government will present its budget for 2010 on 9 December, less than two weeks away. They have an unenviable task.
Taking its share
Faced with this scenario, some will argue that “aid should take its share” of public expenditure cuts. We continue to argue against this with all the moral force we can assert.
Four cuts
Last year saw four cuts in the aid programme, amounting to €255 million, the highest percentage cut of any broad area of government expenditure. The cuts will impact on the daily lives of the poorest people in the world. We will be breaking our promise made at the UN on two occasions to devote 0.7% of our national income to aid by 2012. These are the key arguments we believe remain valid.
Damaged reputation
Ireland’s international reputation has been damaged over the past 18 months. Our reputation for financial regulation and economic policy making has fallen. The two reports on clerical sex abuse have been deeply damaging to our reputation as a caring society.
A glimmer of light
Our aid programme is an area in which we retain a deserved international reputation. A decision not to impose any further cuts, against the background of the difficult decisions the government faces, would send a positive signal to the world that we still remain committed to helping the poorest and most vulnerable.
That would be a light of brightness and hope at the end of what has been a very difficult year.
Hungry for leadership
Posted by Tom Arnold in Tom Arnold’s Blog | 20 November 2009 |
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This week, the third World Summit on Food Security was held in Rome with heads of states and governments in attendance.
One of the main aims of the summit was to strengthen the commitments of these world leaders in the fight against hunger. But those suffering from hunger need more than words.
Here is an opinion piece I wrote for the Irish Examiner that was published Tuesday 17 November.
View in .pdf format (266kb)
Father Aengus Finucane
On behalf of everyone in Concern, I would like to express my profound sympathy on the death of Father Aengus Finucane. Aengus died at 8.30 this morning.
Aengus will be deeply mourned and missed by thousands of people in Ireland and across the world. He had an absolute commitment to the poorest of the poor: his work with Concern saved countless lives and improved the lives of many millions of people. He was a passionate believer in education as the foundation of development and never missed an opportunity to emphasise the critical importance of educating girls.
He used his great gifts of personality and charismatic leadership to work for the things he believed in. People loved to be with him and he loved to be with people. He inspired a whole generation of Concern overseas volunteers, particularly in the 1970s and 1980s, who remained his steadfast friends and supporters. His work with Concern US since 1997 gave him great satisfaction and introduced him to another community who took him to their heart and who will miss him greatly.
While deeply saddened by the passing of Aengus, we celebrate the scale of his life achievement. There can be few Irish people of his generation, or of any other generation, who have contributed as much to improving the lives of so much of humanity. In doing so, he enjoyed life and made it very enjoyable for all who knew him. May he rest in peace.
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