Australia: United Nations Security Council Candidate 2013–2014
Australia is a foundation member of the United Nations. The Government of Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has renewed Australia’s commitment to the multilateral system, with the UN at its core.
Today’s global problems require global solutions. The UN plays a critical role in resolving the global problems that no nation can resolve alone.
Australia is determined to work through the UN to enhance security, improve economic and social well-being, and strengthen environmental protection, worldwide.
This determination is the driving force behind Australia’s campaign for a seat on the Security Council for 2013–2014.
Building a secure future
Australia is a steadfast partner in UN efforts to safeguard international security:
- a member of over 40 peacekeeping missions since the UN’s first in 1947
- committed to stronger protection of civilians in conflict and a significant contributor to UN and other post-conflict recovery and peace building efforts
- party to treaties prohibiting weapons of mass destruction proliferation, anti-personnel landmines and inhumane conventional weapons.
Australian peacekeeping in East Timor is backed by $640 million of assistance to one of the world’s youngest democracies.
Helping to eradicate poverty
Australia is an active partner in global efforts to realise the Millennium Development Goals:
- moving towards the international aid volume target of 0.7% of Gross National Income (GNI) for Official Development Assistance (ODA) and, in the interim, committed to increasing ODA to 0.5% of GNI by 2015–2016
- improving global access to clean water and sanitation, education and health care, including through financial contributions and partnerships with UN agencies
- strengthening the legal and governance foundations of economic growth.
Australia is a significant contributor to global efforts, including though World Food Programme, UN Fund for Children and UN High Commissioner on Refugees activities, to enhance food security.
Protecting the global environment
Australia is an ally against the global impact of climate change and environmental degradation:
- ratified the Kyoto Protocol as the first act of the new Australian Government and committed to reduce greenhouse emissions by 60% by 2050
- contributing $150 million to help developing countries address climate change impacts
- supporting UN efforts to protect sensitive marine ecosystems, regulate harmful and ozone-depleting chemicals and improve environmental outcomes.
Australia’s International Forest Carbon Initiative is helping to reduce global deforestation which causes 20% of greenhouse gas emissions.
Australia recognises the importance of global energy security and the challenges of climate change, and is a world-leader in renewable energy technologies such as the solar array at Lajamanu.
Respecting human rights
Australia is a principled advocate of human rights for all:
- committed to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and party to the major human rights treaties, including the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
- strengthening Indigenous relations through the National Apology and support to the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.
Australia works with key UN agencies and funds, including the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and the Central Emergency Response Fund, to provide humanitarian relief during major crises in times of need.