Concern, the largest Irish-based development agency, has announced an expansion of its operations into the poorest 40 countries in the world.
The organisation will also undertake an extensive programme of events aimed at promoting its work in the developing world as part of its 30th anniversary celebrations, according to its chief executive, Mr David Begg.
Concern has established operations in 18 countries on the UN Human Development Index and now hopes to reach its full target of the lowest 40 countries on the list.
It will also make a substantial investment in building its capacity to design programmes which will impact on poverty in a long-term sustainable way.