Australia was a founding member of the United Nations and played a key role in the negotiation of the UN charter in 1945. As an active and enduring member of the United Nations, Australia remains committed to addressing global issues in partnership with other countries. In recent years, Australia has sought deeper engagement in the UN’s major functions.
Since the founding of the United Nations, Australia has been an active contributor to the organisation’s efforts on international security and peace, economic and social development, human rights and the environment. Today, Australia is the 13th largest contributor to the United Nation’s budget and remains committed to efforts by the United Nations to maintain international security and peace by assisting in peacekeeping operations.
A renewed support of the United Nations as the only global body capable of dealing with a range of global challenges has made Australia increasingly engaged in issues including international development, conflict prevention, climate change, terrorism and nuclear non-proliferation. In 2008, Australia announced its candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council; seeking to address global security concerns within the multilateral framework of the United Nations.
Find out more about Australia's involvement with the UN including statements, voting and history of involvement, visit UN Member States On the Record.
