Throughout the past half century, Ireland has sought to promote international action on global issues such as disarmament, peacekeeping, human rights and development. This commitment is reflected in our ongoing participation in UN peace keeping operations. Irish personnel are currently serving in UN peace support operations in the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Europe.

Three of the stamps, which were designed by Ger Garland, feature Irish personnel from the Defence Forces and An Garda Síochána on overseas duty. The fourth stamp features Frederick H Boland, who was Ireland's Permanent Representative to the United Nations from 1956 to 1964.