Photo from L to R
Mr Christopher Woodthorpe, Director of UNIC
Dr Ines Alberdi Executive Director UNIFEM
Mr Richard Moore – Deputy Director General AusAID
Ms Julie McKay – Executive Director UNIFEM Australia
The Executive Director of UNIFEM, Dr Ines Alberdi visited Sydney and Canberra during August this year. This was Dr Alberdi’s first visit to Australia as Executive Director of UNIFEM and included meetings with the Australian government, the corporate sector and members and supporters of UNIFEM Australia. Dr Alberdi was accompanied by Elizabeth Cox, Regional Director of UNIFEM Pacific, Rita Taporn, Pacific Regional Program Manager and Hazel Gooding, External Relations Officer, from UNIFEM head office.
A key part of the schedule was meeting with senior members of the Australian government - Mr Bob McMullan, Parliamentary Secretary for International Development Assistance, Ms Tanya Plibersek, Minister for Housing and for the Status of Women, and Mr Duncan Kerr, Parliamentary Secretary for the Pacific Island Affairs. As a result of these meetings a partnership agreement between the Australian Government and UNIFEM was signed– representing a significant increase in core funding for UNIFEM as well as a commitment to a closer working relationship. Speaking at the agreement signing event, Dr Alberdi warmly welcomed the support of the Australian Government and looked forward to an ongoing productive partnership.
Dr Alberdi was also the guest of honour at a Gala Dinner in Canberra, hosted by Minister Tanya Plibersek, which celebrated the 20th Anniversary of UNIFEM Australia. As part of the night’s formal proceedings UNIFEM Australia announced a contribution to UNIFEM of $630,000.
The following day Dr Alberdi addressed the Australian Government’s UN Parliamentary Group and launched the Progress of the World’s Women 2008/2009 report which provides examples of how women are demanding accountability for action on commitments to promote gender equality and women’s rights from national governments, justice and law enforcement systems, employers and service providers as well as international institutions.
Prior to her Australian visit, Dr Alberdi was in Singapore to address the Women’s Leaders Network of APEC and the annual meeting of UNIFEM National Committees.
UNIC Canberra assisted with the visit by providing logistical and media support.