VISIT TO THE UNITED NATIONS

downloadToday I travel to New York to lead Australia’s delegation to the United Nations General Assembly, the largest annual gathering of world leaders.

 

A major focus of this year’s meeting is the Sustainable Development Summit. I will join world leaders to endorse an ambitious set of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  The SDGs will have the eradication of extreme poverty by 2030 at their core and a strong focus on economic growth and gender equality.

 

During my visit, I will highlight Australia’s efforts to degrade the capabilities of Da’esh in Syria and Iraq at a summit hosted by President Obama and urge enhanced international cooperation towards this effort. I will speak to the Security Council on the collective action needed to end the conflicts in the Middle East and discuss the humanitarian crisis and international counter-terrorism initiatives with leaders.

 

I will also chair a roundtable with the Australian Government’s innovationXchange International Reference Group hosted by Michael Bloomberg to discuss innovation in development.

 

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the UN, offering an opportunity to discuss with other UN member states the achievements and weaknesses of the UN system and review Australia’s priorities for the future.  Australia looks to the UN to strengthen its performance in addressing conflict through improved peacekeeping, peace-building and the protection of civilians from mass atrocities.

 

This major gathering of world leaders will also provide opportunities to set out Australia’s priorities for the Paris climate change conference in December and to hold numerous bilateral discussions, including with countries from our Indo-Pacific region.

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