Congratulations to Rotary International for their work with children of the 3rd world.."Life of a Child". Last week there was a day devoted to diabetes at the UN and the work of Rotary was applauded, and case studies were shown on film where they provided free insulin to children who often has to walk 4/6 hours to get their medicine,congrats. to you all members of Rotary.
We often hear the word KINDNESS mentioned... it is heard by the deaf and seen by the blind.
I am now at the half way mark of my tenure here at the UN, and I want to take the opportunity to let the Australian people know how well they are represented here at the Australian Mission for the UN. Whilst Aust. may be seen as a small player on the world stage .. we are a much respected and credible country, made so by the dedicated staff at the mission led by the Hon. Robert Hill.. a minister of the former gov.
The highlight of my past week has been the work done with children of the 3rd world especially "children soldiers in conflict"
It is difficult for us in Aust. to comprehend that in neighbouring countries there are children being abducted abused and forced to fight in the wars of that country. On the other hand there are children and families who actually join their children up as soldiers to escape the poverty they are living in.
To Illaroo Public SChool, you deserve special praise for the work you are doing with children 0f 3rd world countries, you quickly took up the challenge when I contacted your school, and now the UN will be sending you special material so you can continue to do even more.. we are very proud of you all.
Finally, to a city that never sleeps... even the energy crises has hit New York, finally they are starting to turn out the lights at night as notices have gone out to all who live here asking for co operation to do so. Makes sense as for a briefing I attended on the outcome of the G20,, where it was a full house, asking for all countries to include their local citizens.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Gilmore Youth Leadership Forum 2008
Just a quick word of thanks to everyone who particpated in this year's Gilmore Youth Leadership Forum.
It was a one event I did not want to miss but I have had some great feedback and the pictures are great.
I, particualrly, want to thank all the stduents who took part. It is an event that crosses the age barrier but at its heart are the young people of our community and without their support and keen participation it would not exist.
This year's event was again at the Waterslea Conference Centre, which really is one of the jewels in our region's crown. I encourage everyone who has not seen the facility at West Cambewarra to take some time and do so, it is a beautiful facility.
Thanks again to our speakers: Shanaka Fernando, Don Woodland, Tania Hayes, Paula Smith, Mark Ettridge and Anthony Bonnici and to all the leaders, all volunteers, all the sponsors and all the Waterslea staff who assisted.
Again, I thanks to Andrew Guile from the Nowra Anglican College for volunteering his time to run the program.
It was a one event I did not want to miss but I have had some great feedback and the pictures are great.
I, particualrly, want to thank all the stduents who took part. It is an event that crosses the age barrier but at its heart are the young people of our community and without their support and keen participation it would not exist.
This year's event was again at the Waterslea Conference Centre, which really is one of the jewels in our region's crown. I encourage everyone who has not seen the facility at West Cambewarra to take some time and do so, it is a beautiful facility.
Thanks again to our speakers: Shanaka Fernando, Don Woodland, Tania Hayes, Paula Smith, Mark Ettridge and Anthony Bonnici and to all the leaders, all volunteers, all the sponsors and all the Waterslea staff who assisted.
Again, I thanks to Andrew Guile from the Nowra Anglican College for volunteering his time to run the program.
Monday, November 3, 2008
More from the UN
Things have certainly started to move at the UN, with a lot of committees now finalizing some of their work programmes.
I felt very priviledged to observe a full morning round table with high profile delegates from Russia, China,India Pakistan and the USA. Henry Kissinger was the guest speaker and MC. Must admit it is a bit scary when you hear them speak about the issue of consensus on eliminating WMD and disarmament. As always the Question is who goes first...
This week will see the vote take place at the UN for candidates for the 14 places on the International Committee for the Disabled for the UN.
There are 22 candidates and Austalia is one of them. With the lobbying done to date with the some 44 member countries I do believe that our Prof. McCallum has a good 50/50 chance. Listening to some of the speakers last week, I thought the phrase "Nothing about us.. Without us"
was very apt. Must say it was somewhat disapointing to see that with all the people with disabilities present on the day, that there was really only one room that could take them.
The news in the papers over here has certainly been the number of job losses not just in the financial sector but now also hitting the restaurant, catering and hospitality sections, in fact this news has somewhat overshadowed the coming election for President.
On personal note I took my first train ride last week... and my last, as one who does not like small confined spaces , it totally freaked me out, as people were literally being pushed into the train to make use of every bit of the standing space. Back to the buses and walking for me.
Have been invited to go to the Fireman,s bakeoff at Ground Zero this week ... so it is not only the Milton Ulladulla Show that has bakeoffs. Will try to compare them
Have just arrived home from another Sunday at the soup kitchen, was able to speak to some of the regulars there, as they are starting to know me now. Some of them have some very interesting and sad backgrounds.
I felt very priviledged to observe a full morning round table with high profile delegates from Russia, China,India Pakistan and the USA. Henry Kissinger was the guest speaker and MC. Must admit it is a bit scary when you hear them speak about the issue of consensus on eliminating WMD and disarmament. As always the Question is who goes first...
This week will see the vote take place at the UN for candidates for the 14 places on the International Committee for the Disabled for the UN.
There are 22 candidates and Austalia is one of them. With the lobbying done to date with the some 44 member countries I do believe that our Prof. McCallum has a good 50/50 chance. Listening to some of the speakers last week, I thought the phrase "Nothing about us.. Without us"
was very apt. Must say it was somewhat disapointing to see that with all the people with disabilities present on the day, that there was really only one room that could take them.
The news in the papers over here has certainly been the number of job losses not just in the financial sector but now also hitting the restaurant, catering and hospitality sections, in fact this news has somewhat overshadowed the coming election for President.
On personal note I took my first train ride last week... and my last, as one who does not like small confined spaces , it totally freaked me out, as people were literally being pushed into the train to make use of every bit of the standing space. Back to the buses and walking for me.
Have been invited to go to the Fireman,s bakeoff at Ground Zero this week ... so it is not only the Milton Ulladulla Show that has bakeoffs. Will try to compare them
Have just arrived home from another Sunday at the soup kitchen, was able to speak to some of the regulars there, as they are starting to know me now. Some of them have some very interesting and sad backgrounds.
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