Global Citizenship and Identity · Term 4

Australia and the United Nations

Evaluating Australia's engagement with the UN and its commitment to international cooperation and peace.

About This Topic

Australia's relationship with the United Nations (UN) is a key element of its identity as a 'middle power' and a responsible global citizen. In Year 10, students evaluate Australia's involvement in the UN, from its role as a founding member to its current participation in peacekeeping, human rights advocacy, and international development. This topic explores how Australia uses the UN to influence global affairs and how UN treaties impact Australian domestic policy.

Students analyze the tension between national interest and international cooperation, particularly when the UN criticizes Australian policies (such as on climate or refugees). This study aligns with ACARA's focus on Australia's international roles and responsibilities. The complexities of global diplomacy are best explored through Model UN simulations where students must represent Australia's interests in a room full of competing national priorities.

Learning Objectives

• Evaluate Australia's contributions to UN peacekeeping operations and humanitarian aid initiatives.
• Analyze the extent to which Australia upholds UN human rights conventions in its domestic policies.
• Explain the mechanisms through which the Australian government influences UN decision-making processes.
• Justify the allocation of Australia's foreign aid budget based on UN development goals and national interests.

Before You Start

Australia's Role in World Affairs

Why: Students need a foundational understanding of Australia's position and historical engagement in international relations before examining its specific relationship with the UN.

Key Features of Australia's System of Government and Law

Why: Understanding Australia's domestic governance is essential for evaluating how international commitments, such as UN conventions, are implemented or debated within the country.

Key Vocabulary

Middle Power	A nation that is not a superpower but possesses significant influence in international affairs due to its economic, diplomatic, or military capabilities.
Multilateralism	The principle of participation by three or more parties, especially by the governments of all countries involved, in international relations.
Sovereignty	The supreme authority within a territory, including the right to govern itself and be free from external control.
Peacekeeping Operations	Activities undertaken by the UN, with the consent of the main parties to the conflict, involving military personnel to help maintain or restore peace and security.
Foreign Aid	Assistance, typically in the form of loans, grants, or technical assistance, given by one country to another, often to support development or humanitarian efforts.

Active Learning Ideas

Simulation Game: Model UN (Security Council)

Students simulate a UN Security Council meeting on a regional security issue in the Asia-Pacific. One group represents Australia, and they must build a coalition to pass a resolution while navigating the veto powers of other nations.

⏱ 90 min·Whole Class

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Gallery Walk: Australia's UN History

Create a timeline of Australia's involvement in the UN, including Dr. H.V. Evatt's role in the Declaration of Human Rights and various peacekeeping missions. Students move through the timeline, identifying 'wins' and 'challenges' for Australian diplomacy.

⏱ 40 min·Small Groups

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Think-Pair-Share: The UN Critique

Students read a short summary of a UN report criticizing an Australian policy. They discuss: 'Should Australia change its laws because the UN says so, or is our sovereignty more important?'

⏱ 25 min·Pairs

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Real-World Connections

Australian diplomats at the UN headquarters in New York advocate for national positions on issues ranging from climate change to security, influencing global resolutions.

Australian Defence Force personnel have served in UN-mandated peacekeeping missions in regions like East Timor and the Solomon Islands, contributing to regional stability.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade manages Australia's foreign aid budget, directing funds to projects in countries like Papua New Guinea and Indonesia that align with UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

The UN is a 'world government' that makes laws for everyone.

What to Teach Instead

The UN is an intergovernmental organization where sovereign nations cooperate. It cannot force a country to do anything; its power comes from diplomacy, treaties, and international pressure. Using the term 'cooperation' instead of 'governance' helps clarify this.

Common Misconception

Australia is too small to have any influence in the UN.

What to Teach Instead

Australia is considered a 'middle power' and has historically been very influential in drafting treaties and leading peacekeeping missions. Highlighting the work of Australian diplomats like H.V. Evatt can correct this belief.

Assessment Ideas

Discussion Prompt

Pose the question: 'To what extent does Australia's participation in the UN align with its national interests?' Facilitate a class debate, asking students to cite specific examples of UN recommendations and Australia's policy responses.

Quick Check

Provide students with a short news article about a current UN initiative or a critique of Australian policy by a UN body. Ask them to write two sentences identifying the UN body involved and one potential impact on Australia's international standing.

Exit Ticket

On an index card, have students list one UN treaty or convention Australia has ratified. Then, ask them to write one sentence explaining how this commitment might influence a domestic policy decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Australia's role in founding the UN?

Australia was one of the 51 founding members in 1945. Australian diplomat Dr. H.V. Evatt was a key figure who fought for the rights of smaller nations and helped draft the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Does Australia have to follow UN recommendations?

Legally, no. UN recommendations are not binding. However, Australia usually tries to follow them to maintain its reputation as a law-abiding member of the international community and to encourage other nations to follow the rules too.

What is peacekeeping?

Peacekeeping involves sending military, police, or civilian personnel to help countries torn by conflict create conditions for lasting peace. Australia has participated in over 50 UN peacekeeping operations since 1947.

How can active learning help students understand Australia and the UN?

Active learning through role-play and simulation allows students to experience the 'art of the deal' in international relations. When students have to negotiate a resolution, they realize that the UN is not a monolith but a collection of voices. This helps them understand why global progress can be slow and why Australia's diplomatic skills are so important.