Media release
23 October 2008
Australia marks United Nations Day
Tomorrow marks the creation sixty-three years ago of the United Nations.
Australia has a long and proud history of involvement with the United Nations, a history which stretches back to its establishment as World War II drew to a close.
Foreign Minister Evatt, who led Australia’s delegation to the founding meeting in San Francisco in 1945, was central to the development of the United Nations and a remarkable advocate for the interests of small countries and middle powers.
Evatt brought to those discussions a vision of an international body that would protect human rights, and advance global economic and social development.
The member states’ pledge to pursue these goals within the UN became known in San Francisco as “the Australian pledge”. It now forms Article 56 of the United Nations Charter.
Evatt’s vision is even more important today. The need for effective, global responses to the challenges we face is more necessary than ever before.
These challenges include climate change, food and energy security, peacekeeping, non-proliferation and disarmament, and now, financial security.
In keeping with our policy of greater engagement with the United Nations, Australia has renewed its commitment to work with the international community and the United Nations to face these global challenges.
I used my visit to New York last month when attending the opening of the 63rd General Assembly to outline this re-engagement.
Since ratifying the Kyoto Protocol as its first act of Government, Australia has also:
- invested an additional $200 million over four years in dedicated funding to key UN agencies including the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM);
- deployed additional peacekeepers and $5 million in humanitarian assistance to Darfur;
- provided $2 million to advance the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) principle by building the capacity of States to take responsibility for the protection of their own civilians from grave mass crimes, including genocide and crimes against humanity; and
- established with Japan, an International Commission on Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament, with the ultimate goal of a nuclear weapons-free world.
Australia’s renewed focus on the United Nations is also reflected in our decision to seek election for a non-permanent United Nations Security Council seat for 2013-2014.
The Security Council is at the heart of the international community’s response to issues of peace and security. Australia has much to contribute to the Security Council.
We bring unique perspectives, creativity, energy and a practical problem-solving ethos. We also bring a wealth of experience in peace-keeping, conflict prevention and peace-building.
Media inquiries
- Mr Smith's office 02 6277 7500
- Departmental Media Liaison 02 6261 1555