ALP International Secretary, Senator Michael Forshaw, recently attended the 62nd United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, as a Parliamentary Adviser.

Date:  17 February 2008

The major issues at this GA were climate change, human rights particularly Myanmar ( Burma) and Darfur, UN peacekeeping operations, and reform of the UN Security Council.

“Whilst Australia plays an important role in UN affairs, particularly our longstanding involvement in peacekeeping missions, we need to raise our profile. The election of the Rudd Labor Government means that we will now be more active in promoting a multi-lateral approach to major challenges such as the threat of climate change, international trade and development and the promotion of human rights,” Michael Forshaw said. “The key role played by Prime Minister Rudd and senior Ministers in the recent Bali UN Climate Change Conference shows that Australia’s voice is once again respected in the international community.”

Whilst in New York Senator Forshaw also helped co-ordinate the ALP Abroad federal election campaign activities. “It was great to meet enthusiastic supporters who are flying the flag for Labor overseas,” Senator Forshaw said.