October 24, 2012 marks the 67th anniversary of the entry into force of the United Nations Charter.
Australia's support for United Nations (UN) development and humanitarian agencies extends the geographic reach and impact of our aid program, ensures coordinated international responses to humanitarian crises and disaster situations and contributes to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. Australia is a strong supporter of global efforts to promote peacebuilding, including through the UN Peacebuilding Commission.
Since 2008, Australia has entered into formal partnerships with 11 UN development and humanitarian organisations. In 2012, we have hosted visits by the Executive Directors of the World Food Programme, the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, UN Women, and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.
In 2011-12, AusAID's core contributions to United Nations development and humanitarian agencies totalled approximately $211 million. Other assistance through AusAID's country, regional and global programs brought total official development assistance delivered through United Nations agencies to around $634 million.
This funding helped improve the lives of people living in poverty through providing better access to safe water and sanitation facilities, and strengthening primary education and maternal and child health services.
UN Day events
Across the country this week, various events are being held to celebrate the achievements of the United Nations over the past year, including:
- In Canberra, the UN Information Centre for Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific will host a flag raising event and reception. In addition, Major General Angus Campbell will speak about Australia's long and distinguished engagement in UN peacekeeping at a reception organised by the United Nations Association of Australia (UNAA).
- In Sydney, the Governor of New South Wales, Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir AC, CVO will speak at a UN Day lunch at the New South Wales State Parliament House and on Friday, 26 October AusAID' s Director General Peter Baxter will speak to the UNAA Young Professionals National Conference about aid effectiveness and working with the UN.
- In Melbourne, UNAA Victoria will show the film 'Not My Life', a documentary that depicts the horrifying and dangerous practices of human trafficking and modern slavery on a global scale. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion aimed at raising awareness of human trafficking worldwide and Australia's contribution to addressing this global problem.