Peacekeepers Ceremony 2021
UNAA QLD
The UN blue helmet is a symbol of hope and peace to millions of people. Australia boasts a proud history of serving in peace operations, with more than 65,000 personnel serving in over 30 countries.
On 29 May 2021, the UNAAQ hosted the annual Peacekeepers Ceremony to honour the personnel who have served and sacrificed their lives in the global effort to build and restore peace. Claire Moore, President of UNAAQ, welcomed over 70 guests including representatives from local government including the Brisbane Lord Mayor and Members of Parliament from State and Federal Government.
Together, dignitaries, the Australian Peacekeeper and Peacemaker Veterans' Association and members of local community groups expressed their appreciation and thanked peacekeepers for their work to liberate countries from places of conflict.
Veronica Henderson, president of the Brisbane Bougainville Community Group, reflected on the history of Bougainville and their call for peace during a time of conflict. In 1994 an Australian-led peacekeeping force was established during the Bougainville Civil War, to resolve the conflict between the Papua New Guinea government and the Bougainville Revolutionary Army. The peacemaking process was a success.
“Sending in Peacekeepers without guns was a risk but broke through the trust issues. The replacement of guns for guitars, song and dance tapped into our culture... it helped form a Kingship of culture to culture, sharing breath, handshakes, hugs, and tears, the spirit of cultures connected,” she said.
However, keeping the peace is more dangerous and challenging than ever. More than 3,900 UN peacekeepers have lost their lives while serving under the UN flag, including 102 last year. We are forever in debt to the service of these individuals, and it is vital we recognise the work of peacekeepers who risk their lives each day in the pursuit of peace.
UNAAQ thanks all attendees who participated in the 2021 Brisbane Peacekeepers Ceremony. Together we appreciate and remember the forgotten frontline soldiers who put their lives on the line for those who are denied the most basic human rights.
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UN Diploma Program
UNAA NSW
UNAA NSW commenced the UNAA NSW UN Diploma Program in partnership with William Business College three years which has proved most successful with over 118 graduates.
Students learn about the United Nations, its history, and affairs, and gain transferable skills (including project management and conflict resolution) relevant to any career pathway. Taught by experienced lecturers including UN Alumni, this is an opportunity not to miss.
Our next online semester will commence on 9 July 2021.
For more information and to register please visit https://williams.edu.au/unaadiploma
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SDGs in Action Forum - Learn, Connect and Create Partnerships
UNAA NSW
Are you a leader who is passionate about creating a positive impact in your organisation and community? Join the Sustainable Development Goals In Action Forum in person on 20th July 2021.
The Forum will showcase ideas from across the world stage and bring together a range of stakeholders from government, industry, academia, and NGOs. You’ll be a part of a Think Tank of cross-sector attendees from NGOs, government, and corporate who have a mutual interest in achieving specific goals (from People, Planet, and Prosperity themes).
Hear from inspiring leaders including:
- Louise Herron: Chief Executive Officer, Sydney Opera House
- Hon. Robert Stokes MP: Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, NSW Government
- Dr Sunny Oliver-Bennetts: Community Engagement Leader, ARUP
- Brianna Casey: Chief Executive Officer, Foodbank
- Nava Subramaniam: Deputy Dean, Research and Innovation, RMIT University
The Forum will be run by UNAA NSW, the Public Sector Network, and supported by and held at Western Sydney University, Centre for Western Sydney, at their innovative Parramatta's City Campus.
See the agenda and register.
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National Reconciliation Week
UNAA WA
On June 4th saw the President, Human Rights Committee, and members attend a joint UNAA WA-Perth Rotary Club luncheon event at the Parmelia Hilton Hotel to mark the National Reconciliation Week. We were treated to a moving and inspiring talk on “Two Cultures, One Story” by the esteemed Dr Robert Francis Isaacs, the recipient of numerous awards including the Member of the Order of Australia (AM), West Australian of the Year and Order of Australia Medal.
An Aboriginal Elder from the Bibilmum Noongar language group, Robert spoke of his birth and being a member of the Stolen Generation, as well as his subsequent journey to find and reconnect with his parents, community and culture. He shared how this experience led him to dedicating his life to breaking down cultural barriers and improving the lives of those who are disadvantaged. The President of the UNAAWA, Dr Sandy Chong, gave thanks to Dr Robert Isaacs at the end of his talk for all that he has done for our state and its people.
She noted that the National Reconciliation Week is about more than just raising awareness and knowledge. It is about taking action; taking what we have learned about the tragic impact of colonisation on First Nations communities and families, and putting it into effect so as to bravely bridge the gaps that still remain in this nation of ours.
She thanked him for sharing his inspiring story, his experience and wisdom with us, and for giving us hope. His talk reminded us that it is possible to make a difference and hope that we will all learn from his journey and continue his legacy for many years to come.
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World Refugee Day
Together we Heal, Learn and Shine
June 20 was International World Refugee Day. It is an international day designated by the United Nations to honour refugees around the globe. It celebrates the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution. World Refugee Day is an occasion to build empathy and understanding for their plight and to recognise their resilience in rebuilding their lives.
Please read the High Commissioner's for Refugees Filippo Grandi’s message on World Refugee Day here.
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Erika Feller
UNAA Goodwill Ambassador for Refugees
Congratulations to UNAA Goodwill Ambassador for Refugees, Erika Feller, on receiving an Order of Australia in the 2021 Queen's Birthday Honours.
Erika was acknowledged for her distinguished service to the international community, to the recognition and protection of human rights, and to refugee law - https://honours.pmc.gov.au/honours/awards/2009165
After a long and effective legal and diplomatic career, Erika served as UNHCR Assistant High Commissioner (Protection) from 2006 to 2013. Erika is now Professorial Fellow, Melbourne School of Government.
You can read more about Erika and UNAA's other Goodwill Ambassadors here.
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UNAA Board Update
The National Board welcomes new volunteers who will be working with us to staff our National Office and activate our national networks.
- Esra Akcamci, Governance and Policy Coordinator will support the work of the National Board
- James Puckridge and Visna Hemachandra, Membership and Operations Coordinators are keeping on top of our engagement with Divisions and stakeholders.
- Bree Wellington, Academic Coordinator will support the Academic Network membership and program.
- Erin Dickson, Head of Communications will be reviewing our Communications Strategy and leading implementation, working with Dominica Williamson our Communications Coordinator.
Roles to support our Alumni and Parliamentary Friends Networks and Public Policy Committee are being finalised now.
We also extend our appreciation to Samantha O’Shaughnessy, who spent 6 months with us working to establish our volunteer National Office.
If you expressed interest in working with us last year we will be in touch soon to thank you, invite you to stay in touch with us and introduce you to opportunities in your local division.
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The UNAA is a Not-for-profit charity and relies on donations to support our events and continued efforts. All donations are tax deductible and much appreciated.
To donate please click here.
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