Position paper for Australia
| Committee: | GA First |
| Topic: | Reducing space threats through norms, rules and principles of responsible behaviours |
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| Since the Cold War, mankind has been in a race with itself to discover, research, and explore the unknowns of Outer Space. The Commonwealth of Australia understands that space discoveries and research-motivated advancements are not inherently bad; in fact, they can be beneficial for technological and economic advancement. However, Australia has long recognized the serious threats posed by militarization and unrestricted use of space. In 1967, Australia signed onto the Outer Space Treaty, providing the basic framework for international space law and prohibited the placement of Nuclear Weapons and Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs) in orbit or on celestial bodies. Since then, Australia has proudly endorsed various United Nations (UN) resolutions to place restrictions on military activity and reduce the threat of spatial supremacy. Among those are A/RES/75/36 (2020), which urged Member States to assess current and potential threats to space systems to develop effective solutions. A/RES/77/250 (2023) requested the formal establishment of a Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) to stop an arms race via developing rules, norms, and principles governing responsible behavior. This mandate was reinforced in A/RES/79/364 (2024), which formally authorized and established the Group of Governmental Experts. Australia will continue to reaffirm its commitment to extant legal frameworks, as we are a State Party to all five UN treaties on Outer Space. In the spirit of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16 and Chapter IV Article 11 of the UN Charter – which emphasize maintenance of international space law among Member States, Australia calls upon States to commit to not conducting destructive anti-satellite missile testing. Australia further recommends transparency and confidence-building measures (TCBMs), outlined in A/RES/68/50 (2013), through improved data-sharing, prior notification of launches, and open exchange of policies to prevent misunderstandings that could lead to conflict. | |
| Committee: | GA First |
| Topic: | The illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in all its aspects |
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| The Commonwealth of Australia sees the trade of illicit arms around the globe as one of the greatest threats to international security, human rights, and sustainable peace in war-torn regions. The proliferation of small arms and light weapons (SALW) has been utterly disastrous for global security, especially in Eastern Europe and Middle Eastern Regions. Twenty-seven percent of civilian deaths in armed conflict have been caused by SALW, according to a Secretary General Report on Small Arms and Light Weapons (2021). Recognizing how serious this threat is, Australia has been a proud signatory to the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) for eleven years, and has consistently advocated for stronger arms control measures to prevent the illicit trade of weapons that fuel nation-crippling conflicts. In 2013, Australia supported S/RES/2117, the first resolution to address the threat of illicit SALW. This resolution focused on comprehensive measures to deter illicit trade and misappropriation of SALW and recognized the impact of SALW on civilians, peacekeepers, and humanitarian workers. Australia has proudly facilitated workshops for Pacific Island Forum Member States to improve legislative frameworks and enhance SALW controls, intending to build capacities and support best practices in arms control across neighboring countries. Australia continues to affirm its commitment to ending the illicit trade of SALW, and – although ongoing progress has been made – there remains a great deal of work to do in order to increase transparency, strengthen international cooperation, and support regional initiatives. Australia is advocating for stronger support for global enforcement of the ATT, increased transparency of arms exports and imports, and enhanced international cooperation to prevent the illicit trade of SALWs. Australia urges states to develop stricter government regulations, support better reporting systems, and enhance transnational and NGO-led initiatives that impede the flow of weapons to actors of concern. | |
| Committee: | GA Second |
| Topic: | Role of the United Nations in promoting development in the context of globalization and interdependence |
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| The Commonwealth of Australia deeply values the importance of promoting development in the context of globalization and interdependence. As a member of the Indo-Pacific region, Australia recognizes that development challenges in neighboring Member States can have implications for regional stability and security. As a developed Member State, it is acknowledged that Australia is responsible for contributing to global efforts on reducing poverty and promoting sustainable development. In an ever-growing, interconnected world, Australia thinks that it is of utmost importance for the Member States to work together to build stable and prosperous global markets. Australia has been an advocate for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, and especially 17. In addition, Australia advocates for reforms in multilateral development banks to make them more responsive to global shocks as well as to build sustainability and resilience, particularly in vulnerable Member States. Australia is a proud signatory on many United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolutions, including A/RES/58/225, reaffirming the UN’s role in development cooperation and stressing the need to address asymmetries in the current global system, and A/RES/79/216, which focuses on the 2030 agenda and calling for reforms in global financial, trade, and health systems to make globalization more equitable. Australia further invites Member States to promote collaboration among governments, civil society, and the private sector under UN frameworks for sustainable globalization. Through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), businesses can collaborate with governments to fund infrastructure, renewable energy, and technology projects in line with the UN SDGs. Australia partners with UN agencies, local NGOs, and private firms to fund renewable energy, disaster preparedness, and sustainable agriculture projects in Pacific nations. Australia recommends that Member States also contribute towards regional and international projects to improve disaster preparedness and agricultural aspects. | |
| Committee: | GA Second |
| Topic: | Protection of global climate for present and future generations of humankind |
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| Australia recognizes the dangers of global climate change and deeply values working towards a better future for the coming generations of humankind. Australia is highly vulnerable to extreme weather, sea level rise, and droughts. Australia’s National Coastal Risk Assessment (NCRA) reports that by the end of the century, there will be approximately a 1.1-meter rise in sea level. Significant numbers of buildings will be subject to damage and become uninhabitable. Families of Australia and many other coastal Member States will be without a home. To combat these deadly issues, Australia has set a goal since 2005 to reduce carbon emissions by 62-70% by 2035. Australia is currently undergoing the process of building a new 40 GW power grid by 2035 through harvesting solar and wind power. Australia is a signatory and strong advocate for the Paris Agreement. Australia also prides itself on being a signatory to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) resolutions A/HRC/RES/59/25, focused on climate finance, putting money towards developing countries to mitigate their carbon footprint, and simplifying procedures for accessing various climate funds, and A/HRC/RES/56/8, urging Member States to focus on the transition to renewable energy and better economic transitions with a major focus on Member States substantially affected by climate change. Australia draws the attention of Member States towards the already present and soon-to-be-worsening effects of climate change. Australia calls upon Member States to remove government support for fossil fuels and redirect investments toward clean energy. Through interdependent global systems, coastal Member States can work together to construct seawalls, levees, and flood barriers to mitigate some of the already present climate change effects. Australia further recommends the development of SDGs 7, 12, 13, 14, and specifically 13.1. | |
| Committee: | GA Third |
| Topic: | Universal realization of the right of peoples to self-determination |
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| The Commonwealth of Australia recognizes the right of self-determination as foundational for its First Nations peoples and healthy international relations. Australia has relentlessly worked to ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities can determine their political, social, and economic development, which is essential for addressing injustice and colonial legacies. Member States must acknowledge self-determination as the foundation of human rights, international and internal peace, development, and conflict prevention. As a supporter of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Act (2005), Australia affirms the establishment of the National Aboriginal, the Torres Strait Islander Women’s Alliance, and other First Nations bodies to provide the Indigenous people with the voice they deserve. Australia engages in frequent reports under treaty bodies, including reports to United Nations (UN) committees. Australia implements the A/HRC/36/46/Add.2 “Closing the Gap” strategy to reduce social, health, education, and economic inequality. Australia endorsed the Native Title Act (1993), providing a structure for Indigenous people to claim rights over land, helping to restore land interest and authorizing independence over the use of ancestral lands, adopting A/HRC/18/L.23 to provide Human Rights to Indigenous peoples. Australia has supported the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples since 2009, participates in UN conferences on Indigenous rights, and offers aid and technical cooperation that include Indigenous self-determination in partner states. Australia encourages Member States to recognize self-determination not as a threat to state sovereignty but as a method for stronger governance, in accordance with Article I of the UN Charter. Australia calls on Member States to support treaty and declaration-based protections and commit to funding and developing Indigenous institutions globally. Australia seeks to promote resolutions that encourage Member States to engage in meaningful consultation and empowerment of Indigenous peoples in all decisions affecting them. | |
| Committee: | GA Third |
| Topic: | Improvement of the situation of women and girls in rural areas |
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| Australia believes rural women and girls play significant roles in society, economy, and cultural heritage, especially in remote and First Nations communities. Australia continues to face distinct barriers to equal participation in education, political life, and resource access. Australia acknowledges that these inequalities undermine national unity, economic growth, and international obligations. Member States should consider this issue because the continuance of such inequalities diminishes efforts to meet the Sustainable Development Goals. Rural women’s empowerment strengthens resilience against setbacks, including climate change and pandemic shocks. Aligning with A/C.3/70/L.24, Australia's current reporting to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) Committee demonstrates its plans to expand services, improve education access, and address gender-based problems in rural communities. Australia has been improving paid parental leave and granting billions of dollars to reduce gender-based violence and improve health services in rural areas, including culturally appropriate services for Indigenous women. The Australian government is committed to creating partnerships with Indigenous representative bodies such as the Coalition of Peaks to design solutions under Closing the Gap and other programs. Australia applies gender impact assessments to budget and policy processes to identify and address inequalities faced by women. Australia’s foreign aid strengthens gender equality. It began building a platform for leadership and political participation for rural and Indigenous women, civil society strengthening, and programs like the Pacific Women Mediators Network to enhance women’s voice in governance. Australia urges Member States to adopt stronger methods of ensuring rural women and girls’ rights are preserved without discrimination. Australia aims to strengthen international collaboration to increase investment in infrastructure, health, education, and legal services in rural areas. Australia calls on UN monitoring bodies and special reports to give greater focus to the obstacles facing rural and Indigenous women. | |
| Committee: | GA Plenary |
| Topic: | Our ocean, our future, our responsibility |
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| The Commonwealth of Australia has been a steadfast advocate for ocean sustainability and conservation for over sixty years. As a founding signatory to the Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction, Australia recognizes the need for sustainably managed oceans in the modern era. It calls for global efforts to enhance development and capacity building for all Member States. Australia, demonstrating commitment to preventing ocean biodiversity loss, is a proud signatory of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Under its 30-by-30 target, Australia has committed to conserving thirty percent of its marine areas by 2030. Australia has showcased its dedication to this endeavor by surpassing the United Nations target for ocean protection by placing fifty-two percent of its ocean territories under marine protection, according to its Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. As a member of the High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy, Australia invests resources into a healthy ocean, ensures sustainable ocean resources usage, and promotes inclusive decision-making and cooperative problem- solving. Its Reef 2050 Long-Term Sustainability Plan focuses on preserving the Great Barrier Reef through building reef resilience, improving ocean water quality, and increasing marine park management. Australia acknowledges the importance of respecting the interests and communities of Indigenous peoples while advocating for increased regional cooperation, particularly within the Indo-Pacific region. Reaffirming A/RES/70/1 (2015) and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Australia calls upon all Member States to take increased action to commit themselves to the protection of ocean territories through increased ocean management and efforts to combat biodiversity loss. It is dedicated to accomplishing the goals laid forth by A/RES/73/292 (2019) and A/RES/76/296 (2022), which emphasize the criticality of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14. Australia promotes increased international cooperation regarding ocean-related conservation, capacity building, and information sharing. | |
| Committee: | GA Plenary |
| Topic: | Strengthening of the coordination of emergency humanitarian assistance of the United Nations |
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| In a world constantly facing natural and man-made disasters and withdrawals of aid from former contributors, Australia believes the work being done through bodies such as the Australian Humanitarian Partnership (AHP) and the Australian Red Cross (ARC) has never been more important. As a sponsor of A/RES/79/140 (2024), Australia champions emergency humanitarian assistance. Per the AHP, Australia provides support to partner states, local communities, and organizations for prevention, preparation, and response to humanitarian crises; its Disaster READY program is investing $100 million between 2017-2027 to help local organizations build disaster management capacity. Through the ARC, Australia provides aid to national societies in areas in and surrounding Ukraine to support those affected by conflict. Australia’s International Development Policy advances stability, specifically in the Indo-Pacific. Australia is a member of humanitarian-focused bodies, including the Pacific Humanitarian Warehousing Program, the Pacific Island Forum, and the Pacific Development Forum. It promotes the incorporation of risk reduction into disaster preparedness and recovery measures. As Counsellor Fleur Davies declared, Australia advocates for full implementation of S/RES/1325 (2000) – increased protections for women against sexual violence, provision of reproductive health services, and inclusion of women in peace processes. Affirming A/RES/75/127 (2020), Australia condemns violence against aid workers and calls for their increased protection in conflict zones. Australia encourages furthering the principles of A/RES/46/182 (1991) to assist vulnerable groups, especially children and those facing structural discrimination (indigenous peoples, religious groups, gender/sexual minorities). Australia acknowledges the funding void created by the withdrawal of aid from prominent Western powers and urges collaboration in this Assembly to fill it. Australia advocates for global cooperation, but asserts the best way to strengthen emergency humanitarian coordination is regional partnerships and cooperation, which create international ties, promote capacity building, and maintain national sovereignty. | |
| Committee: | IAEA |
| Topic: | Nuclear security |
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| Australia’s commitment to nuclear security is absolute. Australia reaffirms its unwavering commitment to nuclear security as a founding member of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and a major global uranium supplier. Australia views the robust and universal application of nuclear security measures as a fundamental responsibility. The evolving global threats, from cyberattacks on facilities to the dangers of illicit trafficking and insider threats, demand collective international action. Australia firmly believes that strong nuclear security is not a barrier to peaceful nuclear use but its essential foundation, as affirmed in S/RES/1540 (2004). Australia’s uranium export policy, first established in 1977, ensures that Australian-Obligated Nuclear Material (AONM) is used solely for peaceful, non-explosive purposes. Exports are only permitted to countries that are parties to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (or granted an exception via NSG consensus) and that accept full IAEA safeguards. Domestically, the Australian Parliament passed the Australian Naval Nuclear Power Safety Act 2024, creating a regulatory framework for the safe operation of nuclear-powered submarines and establishing the Australian Naval Nuclear Power Safety Regulator. Australia calls for the universal adoption and full implementation of the Amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (A/CPPNM) as the cornerstone of international nuclear security. Australia welcomes A/RES/76/44 (Nuclear security), which underscores the IAEA’s leading role and highlights the need to address emerging threats such as cyberattacks and insider risks. Accordingly, Australia encourages the establishment of a dedicated IAEA working group on these threats. It urges Member States to adopt a “security-by-design” approach for new technologies, particularly Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). Through these measures, Australia reaffirms its belief that strong nuclear security, grounded in cooperation and IAEA leadership, is essential to ensuring that nuclear technology continues to benefit humanity safely and responsibly. | |
| Committee: | IAEA |
| Topic: | Strengthening the Agency's activities related to nuclear science, technology and applications |
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| The Commonwealth of Australia affirms that nuclear science is a cornerstone of sustainable development and plays a central role in advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through national programs and international partnerships, Australia delivers practical nuclear solutions in health, agriculture, water management, and environmental protection. At the Opal research reactor, Australia produces radioisotopes that support cancer diagnostics and treatment in over 40 countries. Australian scientists also use nuclear technologies to improve crop resilience, assess land degradation, and monitor ocean acidification, demonstrating the wide applicability of peaceful nuclear techniques. Australia welcomed the adoption of A/RES/76/75, which emphasized science and technological cooperation being crucial for development. To increase the impact of nuclear applications, Australia calls on the IAEA to further align Technical Cooperation projects with measurable SDG outcomes, particularly in food security, human health, and climate resilience. Australia supports the expansion of the IAEA Collaborating Centres network, and encourages a stronger regional focus in the Indo-Pacific, where technical capacity and local expertise can be built through targeted research and training. Australia also endorses the IAEA’s Rays of Hope initiative, which improves access to radiotherapy and cancer care in low- and middle- income countries, and continues to contribute voluntarily to the Peaceful Uses Initiative (PUI), ensuring that the benefits of nuclear technology are shared equitably. Australia further encourages international cooperation on the safe deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), and supports the IAEA’s work to develop international guidance and regulatory best practices for their implementation. Through sustained investment, scientific leadership, and global cooperation, Australia remains committed to ensuring nuclear science serves as a force for progress, equity, and sustainable development. | |
| Committee: | CND |
| Topic: | Promoting alternative development as a development-oriented drug control strategy that is sustainable and inclusive |
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| One of the greatest threats to global sustainability is the global drug market. The global community has witnessed the devastation authored by the prevalence of illicit drugs. The Commonwealth of Australia maintains that tackling illicit drug cultivation is not solely about policing production and distribution. This industry remains an essential part of the economy of many Member States, especially Least Developed Countries that have been plagued by conflict, disaster, or colonization. Present circumstances demand long-term plans promoting alternative development and creating different ways to earn a living. Recalling the 1988 United Nations (UN) Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances and the 1971 UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances, Australia remains committed to alternative development programs providing communities dependent on illicit cultivation with economic pathways to reduce exposure to criminal networks and improve social resilience. Through the Papua New Guinea Development Partnership Plan (2024 – 2029), Australia helps direct Papua New Guinea in stabilizing its economy, creating job opportunities, and building resilient infrastructure. As a proud sponsor of A/RES/67/193 (2013), Australia demonstrates its commitment to promoting alternative development solutions within Member States plagued by this issue. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), in Afghanistan and the Indo-Pacific, Australia partners with the UNODC to promote counter-narcotic capacity building and alternative development assistance. Recent operations between Australia and New Zealand resulted in the seizure of over 33 tons of illicit drugs, per the Australian Police Force, showcasing the success of regional cooperation and information sharing. Australia urges Member States to engage in cooperative measures to sustainably eliminate illicit drug markets while promoting alternative development. Australia advocates for evidence-based monitoring and evaluation of alternative development programs to guarantee their effectiveness, sustainability, and inclusivity, while promoting the expansion of alternative development initiatives as a preventive tool against the growth of illicit drug markets. | |
| Committee: | CND |
| Topic: | Promoting comprehensive and scientific evidence-based early prevention |
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| Emphasizing its strong commitment to Sustainable Development Goals 1, 3, 4, 10, and 17, Australia believes that one of the most successful and cost-effective solutions to the world drug problem is comprehensive evidence-based early prevention. The Commonwealth of Australia holds that efforts to specifically target young audiences with such education are essential elements of the global campaign against illicit drugs. Australia domestically adopted the National Drug Strategy 2017–2026, which adopts a balanced approach centered on demand reduction, supply reduction, and harm minimization, according to the Department of Health, Disability, and Ageing. In lock-step with A/RES/S-30/1 (2016), Australia highlights the value and success of efforts to reach young people via education. Through school-based resilience training and initiatives such as the Positive Choices Online Portal and the Good Sports Program, Australia has expanded early prevention and evidence-based education. These initiatives are complemented by comprehensive community engagement and data-driven policy development guided by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) and the National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction (NCETA). Australia advocates for strategies based on scientific evidence and adaptability to local contexts, in alignment with the UNODC and World Health Organization’s International Standards on Drug Use and Prevention. Australia also encourages broader adoption of the Review of Prevention Services (RePS) and Children Amplified Prevention Services (CHAMPS) frameworks, which help Member States identify gaps and enhance the sustainability of their prevention systems. Furthermore, Australia promotes wider usage of RePS and CHAMPS tools to assist nations in strengthening ongoing prevention programs by exposing inefficiencies. Australia urges Member States to increase funding for shared studies, streamlined data collection, and region-wide tracking of preventative measure success. Australia believes that through proven strategies, strengthened communities, international cooperation, and careful testing, the UN will create a future centered around global well-being, equality, and strong institutions. | |
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