Welcome to the United Nations Association of Australia ACT.

Our purpose is to support the mission of the United Nations through advocacy, raising awareness and education.

In Canberra we have the distinct advantage of being able to draw on the presence of the international diplomatic community, the Parliament, the departments and agencies responsible for Australia’s foreign policy and programs, representatives of UN agencies, as well as numerous UN delegations and officials that visit the city.

We hope that you will join our mission to inform, inspire and engage.

It is my pleasure to represent the UNAA, ACT Division from the City of Canberra alongside my colleagues and peers of the UNAA Executive Committee.

The ACT Division hosts thought-provoking leaders, speakers, and events across the full range of the UN’s programs, encompassing peace and security, human rights, sustainable development, and justice and the rule of law.

We promote to enhance our UN message to inform, inspire and engage Australians on the work, goals, and values of the United Nations to create a safer, fairer, more sustainable world.

But above all, the UNAA in Canberra is about building and enhancing a community of like-minded people passionate about the UN and what Australia’s role should be in the ‘Parliament of the World’.  We hope that you will join us, and contribute your interest, enthusiasm and your company.

Brian Gleeson
President
UNAA ACT Division

RECENT UNAA ACT NEWS & EVENTS

The Role of Peacekeeping Event with Lieutenant General Cheryl Pearce

UNAA ACT held an online event with Lieutenant General Cheryl Pearce on the important role of peacekeeping. Lieutenent General Cheryl Pearce, shared perspectives on why UN peacekeeping remains credible, responsive, and fit for purpose in a rapidly changing global security environment. If you would like to watch the event, please visit the link below. 

Essential Role of Peacekeeping Event Zoom Link

To access the link, please use this password: Ez&3$=#B

UN Ambassador to the UN James Larsen Presentation

It was encouraging to see a large turn out for the presentation by James Larsen during the month. At the Ambassador’s request, Chatham House rules were observed for the event so no recording was kept. That said, I am taking the liberty of sharing some summary points:

1. There is a shift in focus and priorities of the US –

• The US has been the principal funder, driver and underpinning guarantor of the UN.
• The US is questioning whether it can deliver in the current circumstances.
• It is reducing elements of funding to UN work.

2. Budget pressures

• The US is reducing its funding of UN work.
• Countries like Japan, Korea and Europe are withdrawing their voluntary funding which is impacting the functioning of the UN
• There is a difference of $23 billion in budget this year with 300 million people in need of a humanitarian crisis.
• Capacity to assist UN work is really stretched thin.
• We are working with a dysfunctional Security Council

3. Role of Australia

• Australia has a leadership role as a middle power. It is seeking to engage and advance its position on the vision for change and reform, including the Security Council process

Australia is the voice for change, reform and fit for purpose for the multilateral system. This resonates with the contemporary time.

 

 

UN 80 Reform- Our Future Depends on It | Doug Everingham Lecture| UNAA Queensland

At the 2025 Doug Everingham UN Day Lecture, Hon. Professor Matthew Neuhaus (ANU) delivered a timely address titled “UN 80 Reform – Our Future Depends on It.”

Marking 80 years since the UN’s founding, Professor Neuhaus warned that the organisation faces its most serious crisis yet, with major funding shortfalls, staff cuts, and growing global distrust of multilateralism. “The jungle,” he said, “is growing back.”

He outlined the UN80 Reform Initiative led by Secretary-General António Guterres, which aims to streamline agencies, modernise structures, and strengthen the UN’s ability to deliver. Neuhaus also called for stronger, reform-minded leadership in the next Secretary-General.

For Australia, he urged renewed commitment to global cooperation, echoing Foreign Minister Penny Wong’s call for “amplified middle power diplomacy.”

“It’s time for countries like Australia to step up and help maintain the garden of international order,” Neuhaus concluded. “Our future depends on it.”