Today I am travelling to Ghana for the United Nations (UN) Peacekeeping Ministerial Meeting.
I look forward to meeting with ministerial counterparts across two days of talks and delivering Australia's National Statement.
The biennial event brings together foreign and defence ministers, and senior officials from UN Member States to discuss ways we can improve the effectiveness of the peace operations system.
Australia is committed to strengthening UN peace operations. Building on our existing peacekeeping partnerships, Australia will deliver further peacekeeping training and capacity building activities for regional partners.
Australia supports the full, equal and meaningful participation of women in security, military, peacekeeping and peacemaking processes.
Australia is a top three donor to the Elsie Initiative for Women in Peacekeeping, having already donated approximately $6.5 million to fund projects to reduce obstacles to female participation in peace operations.
I will also discuss solutions to make peace operations greener and promote a positive environmental legacy.
Australia is the 12th largest financial contribution to the UN peacekeeping budget and is a top 10 contributor of extra-budgetary funding to the Department of Peace Operations.
Quotes attributable to the Assistant Minister for Defence, the Hon Matt Thistlethwaite MP:
"The UN peace operations system is an essential part of the international rules-based order, promoting peace, security, stability and prosperity.
"It is essential this system remains effective in addressing global challenges. We will help build the peacekeeping capacity of partners and support the UN to reform and innovate.
"We continue to support a world where differences and disputes are settled through institutions, and agreed rules and norms.
"I look forward to engaging with international counterparts on peacekeeping initiatives and how we can strengthen cooperation in support of sustainable peace."
