Speeches
Wednesday, 07 August 2024
Reception for United Nations Association of Australia SA Chapter
I warmly welcome you to Government House this evening, to celebrate the United Nations Association of Australia’s SA Chapter.
As Governor, supporting South Australia’s international engagement is one of my key priorities.
The UN is a symbol of global unity - there is no other global organisation with the legitimacy, convening power and impact of the United Nations.
Its important work is nobly supported by citizen associations around the world, committed to promoting its aims and ideals throughout their communities.
As a former diplomat, your cause remains close to my heart and it is my pleasure to recognise your contribution to our local community, as well as to the goals of the United Nations.
As I said at your annual dinner in 2022, it is my pleasure to advocate for the building of strong relationships between countries - not only for the benefit of individual nation states, but to enable us to progress as a global community.
Last week, as part of the Government House Winter Conversation Series, I hosted a public conversation here on the topic of Environmental Leadership with the current Australian of the Year and Young Australian of the Year for South Australia, Tim Jarvis and Tiahni Adamson.
Lidia Moretti was in attendance, and I imagine some other guests here this evening were too.
A key theme that emerged was the importance of individual participation in addressing huge and complex challenges like climate challenge.
As global citizens, if we all choose to get involved and do what we can, simple actions like reducing our own carbon footprint, or planting native species in our gardens, then collectively, this can create a significant impact.
I thank the UNAA members here this evening for embracing this principle of individual action for the collective good.
I thank you for being empowered citizens who have chosen to support UN objectives here in South Australia, including its sustainable development goals.
You understand the power you hold, and you are doing what you can to support the health and harmony of our community, both locally and internationally.
I’m pleased to note the many and varied activities of your organisation in the past year.
I thank you for hosting events, or supporting events hosted by other organisations, on occasions such as International Women's Day, Harmony Day, Refugee Day and World Environment Day.
I am pleased to see you’ve been actively involved in the development of the UNAA Reconciliation Plan, and have provided a National Resource and Guideline Information Booklet which is used by all UNAA chapters across Australia.
I’m also pleased by your efforts to increase outreach to rural South Australia, partnering with Alexandrina Council to promote local businesses in their area and support their Harmony Day activities.
The UNAA SA Chapter is admirably supported by a team of expert advisors, who generously share their knowledge and experience with their chapter to support its activities.
I thank warmly these advisors, whom we will honour shortly, for their role supporting the association.
Friends,
Thank you once again for being part of the UNAA SA Chapter and for your contributions to our community.
The generosity of spirit I see in individuals and organisations like yours makes me proud to be South Australian.
I look forward to continuing to supporting you all, as global citizens, as you work to uphold the values and principles of the UN Charter.