Ambassador James Larsen 🇦🇺🇺🇳

Australia is seeking a seat on the UN Security Council for 2029-2030. As an active & ambitious middle power, 🇦🇺 has a practical contribution to make to international peace & security. We will listen with respect, partner as equals, protect civilians & defend the UN charter.

New and emerging technologies are reshaping maritime security, creating opportunities while introducing evolving security challenges. At today’s Security Council debate, we stressed that our responses must remain anchored in agreed rules and norms, especially UNCLOS.

Speaking for Australia this WPS week, Senator @dorinda_cox reminded us that amid record conflict and a global backlash against gender equality, we cannot lose momentum on the Women, Peace and Security agenda. We must keep pushing for a more peaceful, inclusive future for all.

This week, we again condemned Russia’s blatent violations of international law, calling for accountability for its aggression against Ukraine and ongoing human rights violations - including reports of torture, sexual violence, arbitrary detention and mistreatment of children.

We are proud to join with Spain, Mexico, Albania and 51 other States and observers to highlight the horrific human rights situation of women and girls in Afghanistan, described by numerous reports and countries as gender apartheid.

On Tuesday, the int'l community expressed solidarity for the women and girls who continue to suffer the scourge of wars they did not start. We, as Member States, remain committed to turning our words into concrete action for the protection and advancement of all women and girls.

As part of International Law Week 2026, we convened leading experts to discuss AI's evolving role for legal practice and multilateral cooperation. Thank you to our distinguished panellists and partners for an engaging discussion!

As the Third Committee continues our dialogues with UN Special Procedure Mandate Holders, it was great to welcome Julie Bishop yesterday as she briefed on her work as the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General on Myanmar. @HonJulieBishop

Australia has a longstanding opposition to the veto, reflecting our commitment to a UN that is more effective, representative and responsive. We call on all Permanent Members to exercise maximum restraint and to refrain from using the veto in cases involving mass atrocities.

Concluding our year as Chair of the International Atomic Energy Agency Board of Governors, I reaffirmed our strong support for @iaeaorg's indispensable work in promoting safe, secure and peaceful use of nuclear technology. We also welcome @UNTimorLeste as our newest IAEA member!

Proud to join with MIKTA to call for inclusive humanitarian assistance and highlight disproportionate structural barriers faced by persons with disabilities. As we discuss humanitarian reforms, persons with disabilities must be recognised as rights-holders, leaders and partners.

A more representative Security Council is a more effective one. As an aspiring Security Council member for 2029-30, Australia supports greater representation for small and mid-sized states and practical improvements to more effectively uphold peace and security.

Peacebuilding and conflict prevention work best when nationally owned and regionally supported. We support African-led efforts to prevent conflict and sustain peace. Strong cooperation between the UN and regional organizations, including the African Union, remains essential.

In times of conflict, LGBTQIA+ persons can face heightened risks of violence, exploitation and exclusion. We call for their rights to be protected and their experiences reflected in humanitarian responses. Human rights apply to everyone, no matter who they are or who they love.

It was great to welcome our fellow Asia-Pacific Deputy Permanent Representatives to the Australian Mission today. Strong relationships and open dialogue help ensure our region’s perspectives continue to shape the work of the UN.

During @UN_PGA’s climate event, I reflected on what underpins collective climate action: trust. Trust in scientific evidence, in our partners, and in our international system. 🇦🇺 will continue to be a reliable and dedicated climate leader, from #PreCOP31 to #COP31 and beyond.

At the 3rd committee this week, we were lucky enough to hear from Australia's youth representative to the UN, Ms. Janice Rodrigues, on the issues young people care about in 2026. Cost of living, peace and conflict, and the negative impacts of social media were all key concerns.

I was so happy yesterday to talk at the National Arts Club in New York about the remarkable Kakadu National Park. There is huge positivity concerning Australia’s First Nations diplomacy and how we deploy this in UNNY. Thank you @NatnlArtsClub.

Accountability matters. We are proud to join a cross-regional group of 80+ countries backing a strong and effective convention on crimes against humanity. Together, we will strengthen justice for victims and survivors past, present and future, and do our part to end impunity.