UNAA NEWSLETTERS
UNAA News: July 2024
UNAA News: December 2023
UNAA News: July/August 2022
UNAA News: April/May 2022
UNAA News: February/March 2022
UNAA News: November/December 2021
UNAA News: August/September UN DAY Special 2021
UNAA News: June/July 2021
UNAA News: April/May 2021
UNAA News: February 2021
UNAA News: December 2020
UNAA News: October 2020
UNAA News: September 2020
UNAA News: August 2020
UNAA News: July 2020
UNAA News: June 2020
UNAA News: May 2020
UNAA News: April 2020
UNAA statement on COVID-19: March
UNAA News: February 2020
UNAA News: January 2020
UNAA News: December 2019
UNAA News: November 2019
UNAA News: October 2019
UNAA News: September 2019
2020 NEWSLETTERS
June Issue: Highlights
- The Black Lives Matter movement has seen a refocusing on racism across the globe, and in Australia on the issues faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.The UNAA supports the UN’s Let’s Fight Racism campaign and joins the UN in denouncing racism, everywhere, in all its forms, all of the time. To partner with the UNAA and find out more about our work toward reconciliation, please contact reconciliation@unaa.org.au.
- Malachi Muljacic is a proud First Nations Australian of the Kunja people and a UN Alumni. Malachi has just completed an internship with the UNAA National Office through partnerships with the ACT Government and the Career Trackers Internship Program.
- Last week was Refugee Week and in 2020, there remain over 70 million forcibly displaced peoples across the globe. Join next Young Professionals event: Saturday 27 June, 5.00 to 6.30 pm AEST The Future We Want: World Refugee Day 2020 webinar and Q&A
- With the end of the financial year approaching, all donations over $2.00 are tax deductible through our auspice partner the Australian Institute of International Affairs (AIIA). No matter the amount, your donation will help the UNAA to continue its to promote the United Nations in Australia and to create a safer, fairer, more sustainable world. You can donate here today.
- This week marks the 75th anniversary of the signing of the UN Charter on 26 June 1945.
- Australia has a long way to go toward achieving the SDGs, but with ten years to 2030, there is an opportunity to increase action and improve performance in some of the areas Australia is trailing behind. To partner with the UNAA and find out more about our work toward the SDGs, please contact SDGs@unaa.org.au.
May Issue: Highlights
- Thank you to UNAA Patrons, The Governor-General and Lady Hurley for their video message to Australians on the importance of the United Nations and the work of the UNAA.You can see the video at our website here.
- A strong United Nations and maintenance of the rules-based international order have perhaps never been more important. To continue our work advocating the importance of the UN, the UNAA are relaunching the UNAA Academic Network. Join here today to support the UNAA and access member only benefits.
- In a show of solidarity, all 193 UN Member states have joined together to call for a coordinated global response to COVID-19. ECOSOC President Mona Juul highlighted “it is more important than ever to focus on the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.
- To celebrate UN75, each month UNAA News is profiling a member of the UNAA UN Alumni Network. This month we spoke to Phoebe Ashton. Read our interview with Phoebe and her insights here!
- UN Secretary General António Guterres has urged the international community to do more to protect those facing increased mental pressures. In response to growing concern, the UN has released ‘COVID-19 and The Need for Action On Mental Health’. The report outlines how economic pressures related to COVID-19 have increased the number of people suffering from mental health issues. If you are feeling worried or struggling at this time or at anytime, you can visit the Beyond Blue website or call the 24/7 support service on 1800 512 348.
April Issue: Highlights
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UNAA NEWSLETTERS
UNAA News: July 2024
UNAA News: December 2023
UNAA News: July/August 2022
UNAA News: April/May 2022
UNAA News: February/March 2022
UNAA News: November/December 2021
UNAA News: August/September UN DAY Special 2021
UNAA News: June/July 2021
UNAA News: April/May 2021
UNAA News: February 2021
UNAA News: December 2020
UNAA News: October 2020
UNAA News: September 2020
UNAA News: August 2020
UNAA News: July 2020
UNAA News: June 2020
UNAA News: May 2020
UNAA News: April 2020
UNAA statement on COVID-19: March
UNAA News: February 2020
UNAA News: January 2020
UNAA News: December 2019
UNAA News: November 2019
UNAA News: October 2019
UNAA News: September 2019
2020 NEWSLETTERS
June Issue: Highlights
- The Black Lives Matter movement has seen a refocusing on racism across the globe, and in Australia on the issues faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.The UNAA supports the UN’s Let’s Fight Racism campaign and joins the UN in denouncing racism, everywhere, in all its forms, all of the time. To partner with the UNAA and find out more about our work toward reconciliation, please contact reconciliation@unaa.org.au.
- Malachi Muljacic is a proud First Nations Australian of the Kunja people and a UN Alumni. Malachi has just completed an internship with the UNAA National Office through partnerships with the ACT Government and the Career Trackers Internship Program.
- Last week was Refugee Week and in 2020, there remain over 70 million forcibly displaced peoples across the globe. Join next Young Professionals event: Saturday 27 June, 5.00 to 6.30 pm AEST The Future We Want: World Refugee Day 2020 webinar and Q&A
- With the end of the financial year approaching, all donations over $2.00 are tax deductible through our auspice partner the Australian Institute of International Affairs (AIIA). No matter the amount, your donation will help the UNAA to continue its to promote the United Nations in Australia and to create a safer, fairer, more sustainable world. You can donate here today.
- This week marks the 75th anniversary of the signing of the UN Charter on 26 June 1945.
- Australia has a long way to go toward achieving the SDGs, but with ten years to 2030, there is an opportunity to increase action and improve performance in some of the areas Australia is trailing behind. To partner with the UNAA and find out more about our work toward the SDGs, please contact SDGs@unaa.org.au.
May Issue: Highlights
- Thank you to UNAA Patrons, The Governor-General and Lady Hurley for their video message to Australians on the importance of the United Nations and the work of the UNAA.You can see the video at our website here.
- A strong United Nations and maintenance of the rules-based international order have perhaps never been more important. To continue our work advocating the importance of the UN, the UNAA are relaunching the UNAA Academic Network. Join here today to support the UNAA and access member only benefits.
- In a show of solidarity, all 193 UN Member states have joined together to call for a coordinated global response to COVID-19. ECOSOC President Mona Juul highlighted “it is more important than ever to focus on the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.
- To celebrate UN75, each month UNAA News is profiling a member of the UNAA UN Alumni Network. This month we spoke to Phoebe Ashton. Read our interview with Phoebe and her insights here!
- UN Secretary General António Guterres has urged the international community to do more to protect those facing increased mental pressures. In response to growing concern, the UN has released ‘COVID-19 and The Need for Action On Mental Health’. The report outlines how economic pressures related to COVID-19 have increased the number of people suffering from mental health issues. If you are feeling worried or struggling at this time or at anytime, you can visit the Beyond Blue website or call the 24/7 support service on 1800 512 348.
- With many of us looking at ways to stay active while staying home, you can join UNAA NSW on May 4th for Movement Mondays!
- To celebrate UN 75, each month we will profile members of the UNAA UN Alumni Network! In April we hear from Laura John, National President of the UNAA Young Professionals Network and Director on the UNAA Board. Read our interview and insights from Laura here!
- UNAA NSW is pleased to open enrolments for semester two of its UN Diploma! The online, live course equips students with transferable skills to be applied to UN work or incorporated into their personal career pathways. Click here to register today!
- The UN has released its report, Shared Responsibility, Global Solidarity: Responding to the socio-economic impacts of COVID-19. Read more by clicking the button below
- One positive impact of COVID-19 has been on the environment. With clear skies, improved air quality and reduced greenhouse gas emissions, there are renewed calls for leaders to act now on climate change to continue positive momentum.
- As you may be aware, the UNAA Sustainable Partnerships Forum has been postponed. We are working with partners towards setting a new date and look forward to inviting you to an even bigger and better Forum in the near future. During this period we encourage you to stay connected on issues that matter to you by following the UNAA on social media and for those in a position to do so, to become a member of the UNAA.
February Issue: Highlights
- Due to the recent COVID-19 outbreak, UNAA NSW and UTS have postponed its UN Certificate to a later date. New date will be established as soon as possible. Thank you
- CSIRO will co-lead workshops focused on developing partnerships to progress SDG 3 – Good Health and Wellbeing and SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production. CSIRO will also sponsor five young leaders to attend the Forum and take part in the SDGs Showcase on Day 2. ‘Our involvement in the UN & Australia Sustainable Partnerships Forum is focused squarely around tackling complex, wicked problems such as food security and improving health and wellbeing.’ – Dr Michiel Van Lookeren Campagne, CSIRO Director of Agriculture and Food.
- The UN’s next Climate Change Conference, #COP26, will be held in Glasgow from 9-20 November 2020. COP26 will focus on five key areas: Adaption & Resilience, Nature, Energy Transition, Clean Road Transport and Finance. Read more about COP26 here and find out how global warming is affecting your country in the UNDP’s new #Mission1Point5 mobile game.With increasing discussion on the impacts of climate change in Australia, did you know all Australian states and territories have committed to net-zero emissions by 2050? Find out more from the UNAA’s Managing Climate Position Paper and the Climate Council’s State of Play report.
- Follow the UN’s daily news coverage of the Coronavirus world health emergency here. The page brings together information and advice from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations on the outbreak of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), first reported in Wuhan, China, on 31 December 2019. WHO is working closely with global experts, governments and partners to rapidly expand scientific knowledge, track the spread and provide advice to countries and individuals on measures to protect health and prevent further spread of the outbreak.
January Issue: Highlights
- From all of us at the United Nations Association of Australia, our thoughts are with those impacted by the ongoing bushfire crisis across Australia.
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The 2020 Sustainable Partnerships Forum will be held on 14-16 April 2020 at the MCG in Melbourne. For details and partnership information, please visit our Forum website.
- Climate change, how to support action and building partnerships will be prominent themes across the Forum. We are partnering with the Victorian Government Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning to deliver two Climate Action workshops which will address what needs to be done to ensure and enhance Australia’s liveability in the face of climate change.
- As conflict and natural disasters persist across the globe the demands on the United Nations to find political solutions, deliver life-saving humanitarian aid, protect human rights and drive sustinable development continue to grow. Guest speaker Peter Thomas Drennan, current United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Safety and Security, will deliver this address. Prior to this appointment in 2014, Mr Drennan served as the Deputy Commissioner for National Security with the AFP. Purchase your tickets here!
- Speaking on the final day of the World Economic Forum, Greta Thunberg has criticised world and business leaders for their lacklustre efforts to reduce global emissions of CO2.Read about how the Forum entered the climate change sphere and its impact.
- 80 of Australia’s top academics have written an open letter to Prime Minister Scott Morrison, declaring an “urgent need for deep cuts to Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions” following the current unprecedented bushfire crisis.The letter is signed by past and present Australian Research Council Laureate Fellows who say research has identified the policies and technologies needed to combat climate change, but they have not been implemented
- The UN’s annual climate conference, COP 25, was held in Madrid last December. Read two perspectives on the COP 25 outcomes here and here.
- To mark its 75th anniversary, in 2020 the UN will launch the ‘biggest-ever global conversation’ aimed at reaching and engaging the global public. The aim of this effort is ‘listen to the hopes and fears of a wide range of people, to learn from their experiences, and spark discussion on ways to build a better world for all’. Find out more information on the UN’s 75th anniversary and how to get involved in this global conversation here.
2019 NEWSLETTERS
December Issue: Highlights
- View the December issue of the UNAA News here or subscribe to our monthly newsletter! The UNAA would like to thank all our members, volunteers, partners and sponsors for your support this year. We wish you a restful and enjoyable break and look forward to working together to inform, inspire and engage Australians on the UN and SDGs.
- In November, the UNAA attended the World Engineers Convention in Melbourne. It was great to see so many organisations working toward achieving the SDGs. Following the Convention, we have been in discussion with several organisations about #PartnershipfortheGoals and look forward to working together in the future.
- Recently 20 library leaders gathered at ALIA House in Canberra to discuss stretch targets for the sector as part of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This was the next step in libraries’ commitment to the SDGs in Australia and Asia-Pacific. ALIA has produced a draft stretch targets and is seeking feedback through this survey. Read more on ALIA and the SDGs here.
November Issue: Highlights
- View the November issue of the UNAA News here or subscribe to our monthly newsletter!
- The UNAA was pleased to launch its inaugural UN Alumni Network on 23 October 2019 at Parliament House. The UNAA, in partnership with DFAT, launched the UN Alumni Network as a platform for Australians who are currently serving or have formerly served with the United Nations. The network is the first of its kind and will connect members to events, job opportunities and other Australians within the UN system.
- The Friends of UN Parliamentary Group was also re-launched on the same evening. This group is a selection of federal Australian Parliamentarians who have an interest in the UN’s work, goals, values and Australia’s engagement.
- The UNAA attended the World Engineers Convention (WEC) 2019 hosted by Engineers Australia and the World Federation of Engineering Organisations in Melbourne. Known as the ‘Olympics of Engineering’, this international convention is held every four years and attracts 1300+ global participants from over 70 countries.
- In alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, this year’s theme was ‘Engineering a Sustainable World: The Next 100 Years’ and focused on sustainable engineering solutions.
October Issue: Highlights
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The UNAA is pleased to announce the appointment of Mario D’Elia as the UNAA’s National President. Mario is a former Partner at PwC, having led its Infrastructure Advisory Practice, and takes over from Major General Michael Smith AO (Ret’d) who led the UNAA with distinction for three years in revitalising the UNAA. Click here for the UNAA’s full media release and read Mario’s profile here.
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The UNAA was pleased to launch its first UNAA Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) at the UNAA SA UN Day Dinner on 13 October 2019. We would like to thank Gavin Wanganeen for his attendance and Cabana Productions for their excellent support!
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Our Sustainable Partnership Forum website is now live! The Forum will be held on 14-16 April 2020 at Melbourne’s MCG. For event details and partnership information, please visit our Forum website.
September Issue: Highlights
- From 14 to 16 April 2020, the UNAA will bring together UN leaders and Australian organisations across business, civil society, academia and government who are leading in building and supporting sustainable partnerships to progress the achievement of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Click here to partner with us or find out more.
- From 21-23 September, the UN Climate Action Summit united governments, the private sector, civil society, local authorities and other international organisations to develop ambitious global solutions to combat climate change. Some key outcomes from the Summit include
- 12 countries made financial commitments to the Green Climate Fund
- The Russian Federation announced that they will ratify the Paris Agreement, bringing the total number of countries that have joined the Agreement to 187
- The European Union announced that at least 25% of the next EU budget will be devoted to climate-related activities
- Michael Bloomberg will increase the funding and geographic spread of his coal phase-out efforts to 30 countries; already, his work has helped to close 297 out of 530 coal plants in the US. Preceding the Summit, on 20 September young people from over 150 countries took part in another Global Climate Strike urging world leaders to take stronger, more committed measures to tackle climate change. Over 300,000 youth took to the streets across Australia to call for increased action towards SDG 13. This #ClimateStrike also aligned with the UN’s inaugural Youth Climate Summit, held on 21 September. Click here to read more about the #ClimateStrike.
- The UNAA’s submission to the Climate Change Authority recommends a nation-wide approach to Australia’s management of climate change to meet its commitments to the Paris Agreement. United Nations Day marks the anniversary of the UN’s establishment from the ratification of the UN Charter on 24 October 1945. Join the UNAA celebrations:
- UNAA SA United Nations Day Dinner (13 October 2019) where the UNAA Reconciliation Plan will be launched with acclaimed AFL legend and Aboriginal artist Gavin Wanganeen in attendance. Save the date and grab your tickets here.
- UNAA NSW United Nations Day Gala Dinner (22 October 2019) where the prestigious UN Day Honour will be awarded. Save the date and buy your tickets here.
- UNAA VIC United Nations Day Breakfast (24 October 2019) will collaborate with PwC Melbourne to celebrate UN Day, with guest speakers discussing Indigenous expression and rights. Save the date and buy your tickets here.
- UNAA WA United Nations Day Gala Dinner (25 October 2019) will celebrate the theme ‘Advancing Social Justice and Promoting Decent Work’. Buy your tickets or partner with UNAA WA by contacting Teresa Garbo Lee: unday@unaa-wa.org.au or 08 9221 7020.
In supporting Australia’s ambitious space endeavours, UNAA NSW’s NewSpace Summit on 4 October aims to inspire, educate and empower those interested in helping Australia make its giant leap. The NewSpace Summit will showcase opportunities for those involved in law, science, engineering and business. A schedule of events can be viewed here and tickets can be purchased here.