State Teams

Australian Capital Territory

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.

The UN remains the one place on Earth where all the world’s nations can come together, discuss common problems, and find shared solutions that benefit all of humanity.

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

National UNAA Annual Report 2022/23

Thursday, February 1st

United Nations Association of Australia Annual Report

 

Annual General Meeting and The Honourable Mitch Fifield speaking on the topic: ‘The United Nations in an Age of Increasing Global Tensions.’

Tuesday, October 17th

Hear from former ambassador and permanent representative to the United Nations Hon Mitch Fifield.

With Mitch’s vast expertise in international affairs he speaks on the pressing issues of today, exploring the complexities surrounding increased tensions, the
importance of global relations, and the Australian response and
policy.

UNAA ACT Annual Report 2022/23

Tuesday, November 21st

United Nations Association of Australia – ACT Annual Report

Global challenges around conflict and climate-driven mobility; rethinking how we respond to today’s 71 million internally displaced persons.

Wednesday, August 16th

Hear from Special Adviser to the UN Secretary-General, Robert Piper via webinar, as he joined us live from Geneva.

Mr Robert Piper provided a thought-provoking talk that delved into the pressing global challenges surrounding conflict and climate-driven mobility.

World Refugee Day- Talk by Professor Peter Shergold AC
‘Displaced People: Global Challenge, Australian Response’

16th June 2023

We were fortunate to have Professor Peter Shergold AC, speak to us at the ACT Legislative Assembly on the critical topic of the international refugee challenge.

Prof Shergold has a distinguished academic and public service career that spans over three decades. As the Secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet from 2003-2008, Professor Shergold was the nation’s most senior public servant.

Thank you to Peter Cain MLA Member for Ginninderra for his venue sponsorship and ongoing support and you our UNAA members and guests who joined us for this very special hybrid event.

National Volunteer Week

15 May 2023

Every 7th person worldwide is a volunteer!

The Relevance of the United Nations Today Talk

27th March 2023 – ACT Legislative Assembly

UNAA ACT was delighted to host Professor John Langmore AM, University of Melbourne, former Director of United Nations New York and former member of the House of Representatives. We commend his research and conviction for for peacebuilding globally. Sustainable peace is one of the essential conditions for global security and wellbeing. John’s speech ‘The Relevance of the United Nations Today’ can be found here. Relevance of the UN

The 2023 National Multicultural Festival a success for UNAA ACT

18th February 2023

The National Multicultural Festival is an iconic event and is Australia’s largest celebration of cultural diversity with its more than 170 unique nationalities the fabric of our ACT community.  The United Nations Association of Australia ACT presented an inviting touchpoint on the stand with key UN inspired information on the day.

UN World Soil Day 2022

A truly inspirational and knowledge filled evening shared with United Nations Association of Australia ACT members and guests regarding the critical importance of soil…”not dirt”, recognising the United Nations World Soil Day 2022.
The Honourable Penelope Wensley AC, our distinguished guest speaker provided a deductive explanation of soil and the collective responsibility to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2030, engaging her role as Australia’s National Soil Advocate.