Australia welcomes the United Nations' decision to establish 29 June as the annual International Day of the Tropics. The Australian Government spearheaded this initiative in close collaboration with the Vice Chancellor of James Cook University, Professor Sandra Harding.
Economic growth and development in the Tropics are critical to global prosperity. Over the next fifteen years, many major investments will take place in the Tropics as part of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.
This initiative will give Australia the opportunity to work with other nations to overcome challenges relating to the Tropics, such as in biosecurity, regional infrastructure, disaster resilience, public health care and tropics-related science and research.
Australia's strong economy, track record of engagement in the Asia-Pacific region and close connection to people living in tropical countries will allow us to play a leading role in advocating for this important region.