On July 25 adn 26, the United Nations Association of Australia NSW (UNAA), held a conference at the old Customs House, Circular Quay.
The title: To end all wars, preventing war, building peace.
Following global events and national problems of the past few weeks, and the reminder of the commencement of the First World War, plus the commemoration of the ANZAC centenary, this UNAA conference was most timely.
The national commission on the commemoration of the ANZAC centenary (March 2011) suggests the most bitter disappointment for the ANZACs was that their war was not in fact the war to end all wars.
The best way we can honour their memory is to focus our thoughts on how we might reduce the risk that future Australians will have to endure what they endured.
The World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA) has devoted itself to supporting the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter since its formation in 1946.
Today, United Nations (UN) associations continue to support and develop informed public opinion in member states.
By representing various political, economic and social views, the WFUNA family of UN associations form a unique bridge between the UN system, their national governments and their countries’ people.
Here on the Central Coast, so many people support the UN and its goals through their various faiths and organisations as seen by their attendance at meetings, marches, forums, Politics in the Pub, letter writing, speaking with school students and university groups.
We, the people, believe in human rights, to live in peace with justice and equality.
We also know that with rights come responsibilities.
War causes refugees and 50% are women and children.
We condemn terrorism but war is not a solution and never has been.
What are you doing for peace?
Please get engaged every day in the lead up to this year’s International Day of Peace on September 21.
Together we can make a difference.
Letters, 5 Aug 2014
Pamela Lemoine,
East Gosford