United Nations 76th Gala Celebration with Dr Sandy Chong, President.

By Dr Renée Ralph, Co-Founder, The Brilliant Foundation

Photo : Dr Sandy Chong, President, United Nations of Association of Western Australia (UNAAWA)

PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA (WA) – The 76th United Nations Association of Western Australia (UNAAWA) Gala Event was celebrated at the Boola Bardip, WA Museum of Culture, Hackett Hall led by Dr Sandy Chong, President. Over 250 distinguished guests and UN Association members attended the evening. Ten Consul-Generals representing China, Germany, Greece, Indonesia, Italy, India, Malaysia, Japan, United States of America, Vietnam were there to give their warm support including Dr Judith Edwards, Former Minister of Environment and Heritage (2001-2006), Christine Tonkins, Member of Churchlands and former UN Staff and Sarah Hooper from Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

Photo : Consul-Generals from various countries supporting the UN 76th Gala Event with

Dr Sandy Chong, President of UNAAWA.

The Welcome by Country was given by Auntie Kerry-Ann Winmar, Elder of the Noongar First Nation Peoples. The keynote address was presented by Sandy Anghie, Deputy Lord Mayor, City of Perth and she recognised that multiculturalism, integrity, peace and harmony were integral values for a better world. She understands the intricacies and pleasures in life, as she is happily married to her wonderful husband of Indian descent as they both nurture their children in Western Australia.

Dr Sandy Chong said that United Nations (UN) is now in its 76th year, emphasising the need to progress human rights, gender equality, environment and social impact. It is not good enough that poverty still exists in our abundant world where children are starving and the young not receiving an education in different parts of the world. How can we, all make it better? How can we ensure that young girls are safe and that females receive the same access to education, career development and equality in today’s world? We have to be equitable in our business decisions, to be fairer and we have to build sustainable communities.

The United Nations serve as a platform to foster health bi-lateral trade and international relations. The UN Charter codifies the major principles of international relations, from sovereign equality of States to the prohibition of the use of force in international relations.

The UN Charter represents a beacon of hope creating a place for continuing conversations and a call to action for us to advance human rights.

A digital address was given by Guy Ryder, Director-General of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) from Geneva – highlighting the continuing quest for a kinder and generous world to eradicate hunger, inequality and safety for the young.

He thanked the UN Association WA Division (UNAAWA) for their continuing support and active participation.

United Nations Association of Australia (UNAAW