Joint media release: Visit to New York for the United Nations General Assembly high level week

Sen Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs 

Sen Jenny McAllister, Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy 

Foreign Minister Penny Wong will lead Australia’s delegation to the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly from 18 to 23 September.

Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Jenny McAllister will join the Foreign Minister in New York to continue the Australian Government’s global engagement on climate change, including at the United Nations’ Climate Ambition Summit.

The UN is where countries agree the rules we operate by. Australia benefits from these rules that protect our sovereignty and prevent our fate from being decided by bigger countries.

Australia has a big stake in the effort to make the United Nations fit for purpose – working with other countries to make sure it evolves for the challenges of our time.

Minister Wong will deliver Australia’s national statement, emphasising our contribution on climate and development, our commitment to UN reform and our priority of preventing conflict in our region.

The ministers will engage with a broad range of partners on our shared priorities and those of our region, including our commitment to addressing climate change and helping achieve the Sustainable Development Goals in full.

Quote attributable to Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong:

“Australia’s commitment to multilateralism is enduring. So many of the challenges we face demand truly global solutions, and the United Nations is the only body where the whole world comes together.

“We need to ensure our institutions like the UN evolve to meet global needs. Australia is committed to reforms that benefit people everywhere and ensure no one is left behind.” 

Quote attributable to Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Senator the Hon Jenny McAllister:

“Australia is back at the table when it comes to the international fight against climate change. Global collaboration is key to realising the economic opportunities for Australia in a net zero future.

“I look forward to promoting Australia’s constructive role on climate change at home, in the Pacific and beyond as we build momentum towards this year’s Conference of the Parties in Dubai.”