SENATOR THE HON PENNY WONG
LEADER OF THE GOVERNMENT IN THE SENATE
MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SENATOR PATRICK DODSON
SPECIAL ENVOY FOR RECONCILIATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ULURU STATEMENT FROM THE HEART

Foreign Minister Penny Wong will lead Australia’s delegation to the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York from 19 to 24 September.

Australia helped create the United Nations and ensuring its strength and effectiveness remains in our interests today.

The United Nations Charter has been the foundation of our peace and prosperity for almost 80 years, but it is under threat.

Minister Wong will deliver Australia’s national statement outlining our commitment to strengthening the global rules based order, and demonstrating that Australia is a ready and able partner for all countries that seek a world that is peaceful, prosperous and where sovereignty is respected.

The Foreign Minister will engage with a broad range of partners to promote the priorities of Australia and our region on peace and security, human rights, development and action on climate change.

Senator Dodson will join the Foreign Minister in New York to explain and advance the Government’s commitment to implement the Uluru Statement from the Heart in full.

He and the Foreign Minister will hold discussions to listen and learn from the experiences of other countries and Indigenous representatives, as Australia moves to deliver a First Nations foreign policy.

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

“It’s in Australia’s national interest to ensure a world where countries operate by agreed rules and norms, and where outcomes aren’t decided by power and size alone.

“That means we need to work with others to solve shared problems and advance our interests.”

Quotes attributable to Senator Patrick Dodson:

“In Australia we are currently having a conversation about how we bring First Nations perspectives to the forefront of all that we do, and this includes foreign and trade policy.

“First Nations experiences and practices can enrich our diplomacy and strengthen our relationships with other countries, including in the Indo-Pacific region.”

Media Contact:
Foreign Minister Office: +61 2 6277 7500

Authorised by Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Australia.