“Privileged to be part of a South Australian team showing global leadership. Thank you Louise Aubin, UNHCR Regional Representative to Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, for your generous acknowledgement.” Eugenia Tsoulis OAM, CEO AMRC
As discussed, I want to reciprocate with a few lines about my mission to South Australia, the success of which I have you to thank. Great things happen when we work together.
There could not have been a better illustration of what modern and inclusive multilateralism looks like and can achieve than the networked communities I was privileged to visit in Adelaide, South Australia in early November. At the center, a dynamic United Nations Association lead by the unique drive of the formidable Lidia Moretti and an impressive list of prominent UNA Advisors, promotes Sustainable Development Goals by acting as catalyst for a number of diverse community initiatives. As demonstration of the UNA’s ingenuity, the United Nations’ 75th anniversary could not have been more appropriately celebrated: an array of guests representing business, aboriginal communities, political and diplomatic spheres, cultural and gastronomical advocates, all shared a generously hosted Sunday lunch in an ambience of friendship. Each guest was able to speak to efforts in philanthropy, community-based work, innovative and inclusive businesses and employment, or simply in supporting the values and mission of the UN.
If a city could demonstrate what global leadership can look like, Adelaide shows the way, simply and impressively, by doing things well at home. As an official Refugee Welcome Zone, the city proudly celebrates the diversity of its communities and the social, cultural and economic contributions that migrants and refugees make. The morning I spent discussing with refugee leaders and staff at the Australian Migrant Resource Centre was inspiring: the determination of newly arrived migrants joined with committed professionals form the basis for successful integration. The warm welcome I received from Lord Mayor Sandy Verschoor was in keeping with South Australia’s tradition of welcome.
However short, my visit to South Australia will have had a lasting impression on what I believe makes the United Nations: individuals and communities, helped by caring leadership, doing extraordinary things in support of one another.
In friendship,
Louise Aubin