Anthony Albanese has launched Australia’s bid for a seat on the UN Security Council. Image: Screenshot.
Australia is now officially in the race to win a seat at what some describe as the most powerful table in the world – the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
In New York on Sunday, 20 September (local time), Anthony Albanese formally launched Australia’s bid for one of the two temporary two-year seats on the council.
The Prime Minister said Australia is in a “pretty strong position” to secure a seat as we are “well regarded around the world”.
So far, only Australia and Finland have nominated to fill the two non-permanent positions from 2029 on the 15-member council.
“We have an opportunity through this potential seat on the UN Security Council to play a key role in shaping the global issues that really matter to Australians,” Mr Albanese said when launching the campaign.
“We’ve been reminded in recent times of how important interconnectedness in today’s globalised world is.
“We are impacted by the land war that’s taking place in Europe, by the conflict in the Middle East. We have been affected, of course, by COVID and other issues.
“We’re impacted by the issue of cybersecurity, and, of course, one of the big challenges before the global community, which will still be there in 2029 and 2030, is how the world deals with the growth of artificial intelligence.”
Being at the forefront of the global response to AI is a big factor in Australia’s UNSC bid, with the Federal Government wanting to not only be able to take advantage of the technology’s opportunities, but also be influential in its regulation and rollout around the world.
The PM is touting Australia’s credentials as a world leader in online safety regulations and as this year’s (somewhat lacklustre) president of negotiations for the COP31 climate change conference as reasons it should join the Security Council.
In New York, he released a video to accompany the bid, aimed at grabbing the attention of world leaders gathering this week for the UN General Assembly.
Australia’s bid has the theme title “We listen. We partner. We protect”.
“I think it is very much in Australia’s national interest for us to be involved in the world’s most important multilateral forum, the United Nations,” the Prime Minister said.
“Australia’s voice on the council matters, so we can be a part of shaping some of the biggest issues which are facing the world and our nation over the next decade. And I’ll always put Australia’s national interests first.
“If elected to the Security Council, we will use our seat to advance the safety and prosperity of Australia, our region, and the world.
“And the challenge of climate change is another one where, particularly for our Pacific neighbours, Australia having a seat on the table will be very important.
“Australia is a peaceful, stable, reliable partner, and we will be advancing our case over the coming days, but in the lead-up to the determination, which will take place in 2028.”
A secret ballot will take place in 2028 and a country must secure a two-thirds majority of UN General Assembly members – at least 128 votes from the 193 total.
Australia last served on the Security Council in 2013-14, a seat secured through an expensive and concerted global effort under Kevin Rudd’s prime ministership that saw a number of new diplomatic missions open.
Mr Albanese said he doesn’t think such measures will be necessary this time, in part, because of that previous effort and the role Australia played since then.
“I expect very strong support from Pacific countries. I expect strong support as well from our ASEAN neighbours. And, as well, we have such strong relationships across the world, across Europe, across Africa, the Middle East,” he said.
“And I’m confident that we will be able to pursue this position with a very modest, when it comes to financial contribution, a very modest campaign as well.”
When Australia was last on the UNSC, it was able to have great influence over establishing an international inquiry into the downing of Malaysia Airline flight MH17 over Ukraine, which killed all 298 passengers and crew, including 38 Australians.
But the UNSC’s power is questionable while five permanent members of the 15-member council can veto decisions – a right China and Russia use frequently to deflect criticism and sanctions against them and their allies.
While launching Australia’s campaign on Sunday, Mr Albanese also announced the appointment of the current chair of Australia Post, Siobhan McKenna, as Australia’s next Consul General to New York, to replace Heather Ridout at the end of this year.
Ms McKenna has previously been the chair of the National Broadband Network, and a senior executive at News Corp.
Original Article published by Chris Johnson on Region Canberra.
