UNIVERSITY IN LJUBLJANA FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES

Maja Vatovec, 21090813 lekt. mag. Mojca Jarc

OPENING SPEECH OF AUSTRALIAS AMBASSADOR TO THE UNITED NATIONS

Foreign language IV: English for specific purposes

Ljubljana, 15 April 2014

Honourable

Secretary-General,

Presiding

Officers,

His

Excellency

Pekka

Metso,

distinguished Excellencies, representatives of media, guests... We gathered together at a time of great challenge to the international system. Challenge that reminds us afresh that we live in a world where interdependency is now greater that at any time before. An interdependency, that not only expects international cooperation but demands it. As one of the founding members of this organization, Australia has always seek to collaborate within this institutions connections and this is why we strongly believe that this great organisation is the most appropriate for solving challenges that lay before us. Australian Government is committed to protect and conserve wildlife. Mistreatment of animals should not be the case of the time that we are living in. We do understand that fur trade is of vital importance to some states, but this should not however serve as an excuse to deny proper treatment of animals. Improving animal welfare should be our common concern and the minimum which we shall all strive to achieve. Yes, we had difficulties in dealing with inter ethnic issues, but times have changed and ever since we have admitted our faults we are doing everything in our power to improve the lives of Indigenous people. By doing so we can now be set as an example of how a state should act in order to improve the lives of many. Let our mistakes serve as a lesion which we all learned something out of. Australia believes that future of all people should be based on respect, dignity and wellbeing. As a continent of climate extremes, located in one of the worlds most exposed regions to climate change, Australia understands the threat that the world is facing. As a liable, responsible and prosperous state we also understand what it means for small island developing states, many of them being our island neighbours. These are among those who will be most affected and this is why it is important for their voices to be heard. Scientist tell us there are limits beyond which we should not venture in climate change since the planet can ultimately only bear so much. What all these things tell us is this: interdependency is the new realism of the 21st century. And unless as a community of nations we rise to this new challenge our future is bleak indeed. And this, distinguished delegates, is our collective responsibility. This is why we invite all governments of good will to participate in addressing the issues. We believe that the United Nations have a historic task because of which we should all wholeheartedly cooperate.

Thank you very much.