Creating a fairer world where resources are shared evenly is the key leadership responsibility facing the current generation of political leaders, the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, has said.
Mr Ahern cited the Republic as an example of a State that has resolved long standing economic and political problems through a policy of partnership and consultation. The Taoiseach was addressing a gala dinner in Dublin hosted by the Academy of Achievements, a US-based organisation which recognises excellence in politics, science, humanities and the arts.
Guests at the event included Stormont First Minister Mr David Trimble, former SDLP leader Mr John Hume, former US President Mr Bill Clinton, former Soviet President Mr Mikhail Gorbachev, former US Secretary of State Mr Henry Kissinger, Afghanistan interim chairman Mr Hamid Karzai, East Timor Foreign Minister Mr Jose Ramos Horta and U2 singer Bono.
Mr Ahern said the international business community also had a pivotal role to play in creating a more equitable world. The Republic's model of social partnership offered a shining example of what could be achievement when politicians, trade union and business leaders worked in unison.
The Taoiseach urged first world nations to join his Government, which had responded swiftly to the threat of devastating famine across southern Africa.
He said: "My Government will do all we can to support preventive action by our highly acclaimed aid agencies working in areas of greatest need. But others must play their full part and we can no longer go on focusing only on immediate relief, when we also need policies to address the long term causes of poverty in developing countries. This can only be done through international co-operation to develop a truly fair world order."
Mr Ahern repeated his promise, made after his re-appointment as Taoiseach last week, to place the full implementation of the Northern Ireland peace agreement at the top of his agenda. The dinner was held at the Four Seasons Hotel, Dublin on Saturday.
Earlier, the Academy of Achievements paid tribute to a 31 leading figures in global politics, business, science and the arts, presenting them with its 'gold plate' award at a ceremony in Trinity College Dublin. Recipients included Mr Trimble, Mr Hume, President Clinton, Mr Kissinger, Bono as well as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ms Mary Robinson, US Ambassador to Ireland Richard J Egan, Mayor of Chicago, Mr Richard Daly, singers Chuck Berry and Enya, Unilver chairman Mr Niall Fitzgerald, President of Colombia Mr Andres Pastrana Arango, Goldman Sachs chairman Mr Peter Sutherland and Ryanair founder Mr Tony Ryan. The Taoiseach was awarded a "gold plate" in 2000.
