Australia urges global cooperation on climate, AI checks and international law

He said that cooperating on urgent challenges that confront every country, creating solutions that work for citizens and staying true to the UN’s founding purpose “remains the test of our time” which “we can and we must pass”.   

The UN was established eight decades ago “from the ruins of war” by citizens and leaders who vowed to work together to prevent another global conflict, Mr. Albanese stressed. 

Uniting nations

“We can seize and share and shape the opportunities this moment holds in the interests of our citizens. But we can only do it together,” he said. 

Mr. Albanese insisted that “the UN mission cannot be entrusted solely to the great powers or the biggest countries, or even the loudest voices alone, nor can it be subcontracted to the world’s richest companies or dictated by the pace of technology.”  

He stressed that “shaping a secure, peaceful and prosperous world is a task for all of us”, which is why Australia is seeking a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2029-2030. 

Promoting wider perspectives

If successful, “Australia will safeguard the rules that protect us all by upholding international law, including the UN Charter and the sovereignty of all States,” he said. 

“We will amplify the voices of small States and middle powers to ensure a wider range of perspectives shape the Council’s decisions.” 

The Australian premier noted that the world is rapidly changing and new issues – including climate change, emerging technologies such as AI, and the breakdown of trust, civility and social cohesion – demand the full attention of the international community.  

He also emphasized the need to “embrace” change and reform multilateralism.  

Cooperation, not coercion

“As a middle power, Australia is showing leadership and working with others on fresh ideas to tackle the big issues now facing the world in our region,” the Prime Minister said. 

He highlighted how his Government is “elevating relationships that help to build sovereign capability and offer nations sovereign choice free from coercion”. 

That way, partners can address the “big issues” they face such as economic and energy security, development and transnational crime, among others. 

Social media ban

Mr. Albanese also recalled that last year Australia instituted a social media ban for people under 16, following the campaign by grieving parents who addressed the General Assembly that turned into global action. 

“Already, more than 20 countries are bringing in or have brought in age restrictions on social media,” he said, “and with the European community taking action, there are many more to come.”