Visit to the United Nations

I will be in New York from 16 to 24 September to attend the 72nd session of the United Nations General Assembly, the largest annual gathering of world leaders and foreign ministers.

The United Nations continues to be an important forum for maintaining the international rules based order, which is vital for the pursuit of every nation's interest.

During the week, I will re-iterate that Australia stands with the international community in condemning North Korea's missile and nuclear weapons tests. I will advocate for full implementation of the Security Council's strong sanctions on North Korea.

In support of Australia's long-term commitment to nuclear disarmament, I will attend the Conference on facilitating the entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty and a meeting of the Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Initiative.

I will highlight Australia's leadership and experience in tackling important challenges, including modern slavery, malaria, climate change and terrorism. I will participate in the Global Counter Terrorism Forum and speak with partners about our joint efforts to counter ISIS, including in our region.

I will attend a meeting of the Joint Investigation Team to reaffirm Australia's resolve to seek justice for the shooting down of flight MH17 in 2014.

Promoting Australia's credentials to serve on the UN Human Rights Council in 2018-20 will be a priority. I will also voice our ongoing support for the Secretary-General's efforts to make the UN more efficient, effective and accountable.

Australia will bring a pragmatic and principled approach to working with other nations to find real solutions to complex global challenges. In addition to multilateral meetings and forums, I will hold over 20 meetings with leaders, foreign ministers and UN agency heads.