In her first major speech to the UN, Wong outlines Australia’s ambition to be a significant player on the world stage. | By Farrah Tomazin FarrahTomazin
Foreign Minister Penny Wong will use her first major speech to the United Nations to call for a shake-up of the Security Council, arguing that nations from Africa, Latin America and Asia should have greater permanent representation on the powerful committee.
The council has met 20 times this year to discuss Ukraine but has been unable to take meaningful action because Russia is a permanent member and can veto any moves against it. “Aside from terrible damage and loss of life in Ukraine, Russia’s invasion is compounding human suffering, propelling the global crisis in food and energy security,” Wong says.“In my own region, where geopolitical contest becomes ever sharper, we must ensure that competition does not escalate into conflict because if conflict were to break out in the Indo-Pacific, it would be catastrophic – for our people and our prosperity.
Wong described it as “another constructive meeting” but added: “I think it is a long road, in which many steps will have to be taken by both parties to a more stable relationship.”
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