The United Nations Association of Australia New South Wales (UNAA NSW) announced Reconciliation Australia as the recipient of the 2019 United Nations (UN) Day Honour.

The UNAA is the pre-eminent not-for-profit institution in Australia to promote the goals, and values of the United Nations. Established in 1946, its aim is to inform, inspire, and engage all Australians regarding the critical work of the UN and to create a safer, fairer, and more sustainable world. Around the world, UN Day is marked each year on 24 October to celebrate the entry into force of the UN Charter in 1945.

As part of UNAA (NSW)’s UN Day celebrations, the prestigious UN Day Honour was created to recognise individuals or organisations in Australia that have made a significant contribution to the aims and objectives of the UN, for example in promoting peace and respect for human rights.

This year, the theme of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) high-level political forum was ‘Empowering people and ensuring inclusiveness and equality’. In line with this and UNAA’s current focus on raising awareness about the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, special consideration was given to nominees with a strong track record of achievement in the areas of Indigenous Reconciliation and Refugees.

From a select shortlist of nominees, Reconciliation Australia was endorsed by the UNAA NSW Executive Committee as the 2019 UN Honour recipient, in recognition of its embodiment of UN humanitarian values with regard to the rights of Indigenous Peoples. Reconciliation Australia has a demonstrated track record of promoting the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples, as outlined by the United Nations. As one of the lead body for Indigenous Reconciliation in Australia, it has set the benchmark for good corporate practice in this area.

President UNAA (NSW) Dr Patricia Jenkings said: “I am delighted to recognise Reconciliation Australia as the recipient of our 2019 UN Day Honour. Their contribution towards realising human rights and fundamental freedoms for Australia’s First Peoples has been significant and enduring and an exemplar of working to achieve the aims and objectives of the United Nations in this important area.”

Reconciliation Australia will be presented with the Honour at the 2019 United Nations Day Gala Dinner at NSW Parliament House on Tuesday 22 October 2019.

CEO Reconciliation Australia Karen Mundine said:  “This Honour rightfully belongs to all who have been part of the Reconciliation Australia family over the past 20 years, and our predecessor the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation. Since our inception in late 2000, many dedicated and hard-working people – from CEOs and Board Directors to staff members, interns and volunteers – have all contributed to advancing reconciliation in Australia. We deeply appreciate everyone’s loyal and continued advocacy and thank the UNAA (NSW) sincerely for this special Honour.”