A People’s Movement for the United Nations

 

 May 2009 Update – Vol 1, No 6

 

News Flash!!

 

Did you know that it is the International Year of Astronomy? Come and join us for our UNAA(WA) Quiz night to mark this celebration and to meet your local UNAA(WA) team. Please read below for more details…

 

 

President’s message May 2009

 

Early in May I was invited to present a lecture to the senior students of the Canberra Girls Grammar School on an occasion to mark the Founder’s Day of the school. The school was founded in 1926 and has a tradition of providing excellent education to both girls and boys in the national capital and the rural areas around Canberra being both a day and boarding school. My lecture entitled “Human Rights and Responsibilities” challenged the students to study the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and its implication to their lives and the lives of others. The proposition that along with rights come responsibilities was well received by the students and I flew back to Perth with the satisfying knowledge that at least 1000 students were more familiar with this important declaration.

 

While in Canberra I met with members of UNAA(ACT) division to discuss our common goals and the ACT division’s plans for the National Conference to be held in September. I urge all members to consider attending the conference that will address important issues regarding climate change. Spring is a beautiful time to visit Canberra.

 

UNAA(WA) Ambassador Joseph Caruso has recently met with the UNA-UK in London during his travels overseas. He was greeted with warmth and shared with the group greetings from Western Australia, establishing an going communication between our two groups. Jan Ryan has been busy this month working with UNYA to present the model UN at Notre Dame University. I thank Jan for the time, energy and skills she has devoted to this process.

 

The Vice President proudly represented UNAA(WA) as a VIP Guest at this year’s Perth Anzac Day Parade and Commemorative Service.  Thousands of people lined up along St George’s Terrace and attended the Esplanade Service to support the veterans and to humbly acknowledge the dedicated sacrifices of the brave men and women who served our country and helped preserve our freedom.  Some veterans enthusiastically waved United Nations flags as they marched and this acted as a visible reminder of the important role that the UN plays in working to maintain international peace and security in the world. 

 

The news that UNAA(WA) had been successful in its application for a grant to purchase a new IT system is exciting. The grant is from Lotterywest and will be used to upgrade the computer system and purchase a data projector. A subcommittee is now working on a submission for funding to develop a strategic plan for UNAA(WA).

 

Several representatives of the association will attend the human rights consultations to be held in Perth on Tuesday 12th May.

 

I welcome a new acting secretary to UNAA(WA), Amber Jitts. Amber has agreed to act as secretary until the AGM to be held in August and is prepared to nominate for the position for the 2009/10 term. Sadly we have accepted the resignation of Ethel Date from the committee.  We would like to thank you Ethel for your contribution to the committee. Intern Kelly-Anne Phipps is working on some packages that will be given to those who make contact with UNAA(WA) to inform about the association and its work. She is also developing a new member’s pack. Kelly-Anne is in the office each Friday if you wish to meet her.The editorial team are working hard on the June edition of UN Matters.

 

On Friday May 8, I was invested as a Dame in the Sovereign Order of Saint John of Jerusalem Knights Hospitaller. I am honoured by my elevation to this status.

 

Judith A. Parker AM DSJ

 

2009 June UN International Days

 

May 21: World day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development

May 22: International Day for Biological Diversity

May 25: Week of Solidarity with the Peoples of Non Self-governing Territories

May 29: International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers

May 31: World No Tobacco Day

June 4: International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression

June 5: World Environment Day

June 17: World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought

June 20: World Refugee Day

 

Upcoming Events – be there!

 

UNAA(WA) Quiz Night

 

The UNAA(WA) fundraiser quiz night will be on Tuesday 7th July at 7pm at the Belmont Sports & Recreation Club, corner Keane St & Abernethy Rd Cloverdale.  This event is being held on the night of the Full Moon in recognition of the UN Year of Astronomy 2009. 

 

Tables are for eight persons and the cost is $15 per person or $10 for concessions.  There are full bar facilities available along with tea and coffee.  BYO food & nibbles.  Bookings should be made either through the office on 9221 9455, email unaawa@tpg.com.au or ring the Events Convenor on 0421 316 717 or Carolyne on 9451 3238. 

 

The Belmont Sports & Recreation Club has kindly donated their venue free of charge.  Please let us know if you are able to assist with the donation of prizes.

 

Come and join us for a fun night of quizzing & perhaps a touch of full moon madness! 

 

Get involved… with the UNAA Academic Network!

 

The Academic Network has now 51 official members nationwide, with varied areas of expertise, from a variety academic and non-academic backgrounds and disciplines. The process of sourcing more potential members will continue and further invitations to participate will be sent out by Alessandra Pecci from UNAA National committee. At present, there is only 1 WA member. Please advise President Judith Parker [email: judithannparker@bigpond.com] if you have suggestions on potential members.

One of the key objectives of the network is to improve communication between academics and scholars and to make available to all members information and materials relevant to specific courses, current research, publications and papers. There is a UNAA Academics link on the UNAA website.

 

Committee Updates

 

UNAA (WA) Human Rights Committee

The next meeting of the Human Rights Committee will take place on Friday 29th May at 3pm-4pm

In the UNAAWA office

 

 

 

UNAA(WA) Environment Committee

 

The United Nations Association of Australia (WA), Environment and Sustainable Development Committee is convened to work in concert with the Association to promote awareness and understanding of the environment and sustainable development.

 

Through reflecting the principles and values of the United Nations the ESSC adopts the mission statement of the United Nations Environment Program, namely - "To provide leadership and encourage partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing, and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations."

 

The Committee seeks to do this through contributions across government, industry and the community, undertaking activities which support this mission. In so doing the Committee aims to foster balance and harmony between people's need and a sustainable environment in Western Australia and through our parent body UNAA, Australia

 

Model UN

 

The Model UN took place on Friday 15th May at Notre Dame University. This event was arranged by Dr Jan Ryan (Immediate Past President of our Division) with the co-operation with the UN Youth Association. The Theme was “The Humanitarian Impact of Climate Change”. A full report of the event will be in the UN Matters June edition.

 

 

New Members Welcome!

 

This friendly Committee is always keen to welcome new members, and where possible, give support to any community projects or undertakings which they may be interested in, provided such events are in keeping with UN Principles.  Please contact us through the UNAA-WA Office, if you would like to know more. Phone 9221 9455, or email unaawa@tpg.com.au.

 

Further Resources

·         Subscribe to UNity for 2009, as well as earlier issues are available at: www.unaa.org.au

·         For international updates, sign up for UN Wire:  http://www.smartbrief.com/un_wire/index.jsp

·         Read more about the Millenium project:  www.unmillenniumproject.org